An inspirational baseball player has revealed what it was like to come out of the closet at the age of 95.
Maybelle Blair, now 97, whose career inspired the classic 1992 film A League of Their Own, was in attendance on stage at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in 2022 when she directedHis bold decision “coming from the clear blue sky” to live in his truth.
The panelist, who was present to celebrate the premiere of Amazon’s television adaptation of the blockbuster, took place in front of the entire crowd – and has since reflected on the landmark moment.
She recently said The Guardian: ‘I felt like all the blood was flowing from my head to my toes. I didn’t know what was happening.
Inspirational baseball player Maybelle Blair has revealed what it was like to come out of the closet at the age of 95.
Maybelle, whose career inspired the classic 1992 film A League of Their Own, was on stage at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival in New York when she made the bold “out of the blue sky” decision to live at home. truth. In the photo: yesterday (left) and now (right)
Maybelle told the publication: “I just blurted out, ‘I want everyone to know I’ve been in the closet for 95 years.’ This old door opened. I was sitting there, the eyes wide open, mouth open probably. I thought, “Oh my God, after 95 years, you said that?”
‘And I did. I wasn’t afraid anymore because I was so old and what people thought didn’t really matter except to my family.
“Afterwards I sat down and had a beer and I tell you, I’ve never been happier in my entire life. I was a new girl at 95. So you might still have me 95 years old.
In a 2022 clip, discussing the show, she told the audience: “I think it’s a great opportunity for these young ball players to realize that they’re not alone and you don’t have to hide.
“I’ve been hiding for 75, 85 years and this is actually the first time I’m coming out.”
And his revelation was greeted with loud applause from the crowd.
Maybelle, now 97, told the outlet that she has since been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community and described as an inspiration.
“It made me feel so good. So many people have told me how I helped them come out, and their families now understand what’s going on in their lives,” she said.
The speaker, who was on hand to celebrate the premiere of Amazon’s TV adaptation of the blockbuster, introduced himself in front of the entire crowd – and has since reflected on the milestone moment.
The former athlete said she was only inundated with positive comments, saying not a single person had anything negative “in my opinion anyway.”
Blair, born in California, was known as All The Way Mae when she pitched for the Peoria Redwings in 1948.
The historic athlete went on to play professional softball for the Chicago Cardinals in the 1950s.
Following her sporting career, Maybelle worked for aerospace company Northrop Corporation – but admitted that it was “scared to death” at the thought of anyone finding out about their sexuality and getting fired as a result.
‘At that time, they had no sympathy for homosexuals. And I didn’t know what my family would have thought. I couldn’t do it.
“I had to date men I didn’t want to date. But I did it – and I looked half decent, I think, because they kept asking me out.
“I have just walked this straight and narrow path. It was difficult at times, but I did it.
Maybelle said people often ask her why she didn’t get married, but she uses the “excuse” that the right person didn’t come along.
California-born Blair was known as All The Way Mae when she pitched for the Peoria Redwings in 1948 (bottom right)
The historic athlete went on to play professional softball for the Chicago Cardinals in the 1950s. Pictured: Then (left) and now (right)
She said finally coming out presented “a new world” to her and candidly shared: ‘I would have liked to come out straight away if people had accepted homosexuals.
“The music is very strong for me now, and every step I take is a little more alive now that I can be who I am.”
Despite her advanced age, Maybelle shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon as she currently coordinates her passion project of helping create an international women’s baseball center in Illinois.
“I think they should be able to have their own home for baseball.” I still have a few things to do before I’m six feet under.