English started out as a small town girl outside of Boston, and is now known around the world.
Maddy English was born in Everett, Massachusetts. English was one of the first women to play in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She played third base from 1943 to 1951.
English was an athlete who played many sports other than baseball. English started playing softball at 10 years old. She was a part of a Massachusetts 14-year-old softball team in 1939. Her older brother was a star third baseman who had dreams of playing professional baseball. She went to Everett High School and continued to play sports there. While playing, a scout was impressed and invited her to try out at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
English was assigned to the Racine Belles. The Racine Belles were based in Wisconsin and were one of the four original AAGPBL teams. She was a key player on the Racine Belles, winning three pennants and two championships with the team. English was known for her speed, hitting ability and huge defensive skills.
During her career, English had 519 hits, 13 home runs, 209 Runners Batted In (RBIs) and scored 357 runs. In addition, she had 439 stolen bases, which was about 55 per season. After her final season ended, she came back to Massachusetts and became a student at Boston University.
While at BU, she was able to show her athleticism in not only softball but also swimming and basketball. In 1988, English and four of her teammates were recognized in the Baseball Hall of Fame in New York. In 1997, she was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame at BU.
After school, she became a guidance counselor for 27 years at Parlin Junior High School in her hometown. When she sadly passed away at the age of 79, Everett named a K-8 school after Maddy English. She may be gone, but she is never forgotten.