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Lavonne "Pepper" Paire-Davis
Lavonne "Pepper" Paire-Davis
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Lavonne Paire-Davis Obituary
Paire-Davis died of natural causes in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles on Saturday, her son, William Davis, told The Associated Press. She was 88.
Paire-Davis was a model for the character played by Geena Davis in the 1992 hit "A League of Their Own," which also starred Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna and Tom Hanks as the crusty manager who shouted the famous line, "there's no crying in baseball!"
In 1944, Paire-Davis joined the league, created out of fear that World War II would interrupt Major League Baseball, and played for 10 seasons.
She was a catcher and shortstop, and helped her teams win five championships. She chronicled her baseball adventures in the 2009 book "Dirt in the Skirt."
"I know what it's like for your dream to come true, mine did," Paire-Davis said in an AP story in 1995, when she was 70. "Baseball was the thing I had the most fun doing. It was like breathing."
After graduating from high school, she enrolled at UCLA as an English major, worked as a welder's assistant at the shipyards in Long Beach, and spent every spare moment playing in local softball leagues.
Her heart, however, belonged to hardball.
"Don't get me wrong, I was glad to be playing softball," she said in 1995. "But I'd rather have played competitive baseball."
The All American Girls Baseball League was founded in 1943 by Chicago Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley. Most of the league's talent came from greater Chicago, but Paire-Davis was one of a half-dozen players scouted and chosen from California.
The players wore skirts and the teams often had cutesy names, but the players maintained a genuine big league lifestyle, playing 120 games over four months.
"We played every night of the week," Paire-Davis said, "doubleheaders on Sundays and holidays."
She won championships with the Racine Belles, the Grand Rapids Chicks and the Fort Wayne Daisies, but she never actually played for the team featured in the film, the Rockford Peaches.
"That's Hollywood," she said. "They had to take 10 teams and 12 years and make it into two hours."
The league was "temporarily suspended" in 1954. Play was never resumed.
Davis said his mother spent much of the rest of her life as a sports fan — she rooted for the Dodgers, Angels and Lakers — and an advocate for her favorite game.
"She taught me how to switch hit when I was 3 years old," said Davis, one of two sons, a daughter, four grandkids and an older brother who survived Paire-Davis. "She touched a lot of people around the world with her baseball exploits. She was a great ambassador for the game."
Paire-Davis said, looking back from 1995, that she couldn't "honestly tell you I knew the history we were making back then."
But, she said, "I can tell you we knew we were doing something special."
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
73 Entries
Paige Insley, a young and aspiring catcher
May 3, 2021
Thank you, the history you made changed my life, the ballgames, the stories, everything just made me so much more passionate about softball, about people, and life, and I thank you for that.
May 31, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My heartfelt condolences to the family's
Katy Parr
August 23, 2014
Amazing lady and friend. I miss her more than words can express.
How you can show support
Carol Sheldon
October 31, 2013
Pepper I'm so glad we got to meet. I aways enjoy spending time with you gals. All of you ladies have change my life. Till we meet again. Save me a spot in the lineup!
Mary DeHarrold
September 2, 2013
Pepper will forever be you and your families guardian angel. She put a smile on my face the few times I meant her. I will always remember her smiling face. She will smile down upon you and your family forever.
Carol Owens
June 29, 2013
Pepper Paire was an amazing baseball player. I joined the Future Daisy League as a 13 year old in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I lived 6 blocks from Memorial Park and went to every game. It was always a great game when Pepper was in town and she made for a very exciting game with all her talented play. I am now 74 and just found this site of "notable women." I am so happy to have found Pepper's and other players' obituaries. It was the best time of my life. I will always feel sad that the league ended in 1954, but enjoyed every the specialness of being part of it all. Her family and friends are in my heart which holds many losses and many wonderful memories.
melissa
March 13, 2013
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of pepper. I loved the league of their own, and what she did for women's sports. I also thoroughly enjoyed her book "Dirt in the skirt", it was awesome, just like her. prayers and thoughts to her family and friends. She will be remembered and missed always!!
2006 girls softball world series in park city, Utah
March 11, 2013
My daughter and I met Pepper at the park city Utah world series, girls softball tournament. Lavonne was so kind and sweet we will always remember her!Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Tina Castillo and Kelsey Hernandez
park city Utah world series girls softball Player Kelsey Hernandez pinning a pin on Peppers Jersey.
Tina Castillo
March 11, 2013
Danny Wolf
February 13, 2013
Pepper was all everyone thought, and yet even more. She was kind, thoughtfull, always willing to help others and by the Grace of God, she was able to do it all until she passed. I will NEVER forget her and the things she did for our Girls Softball Association in McKinney Texas. What a great friend and Lady.
Happy Valentine's Day*****<3<3<3
Star Lopez
February 12, 2013
Ms. Lavonne "Pepper" Paire-Davis, is inspirational woman. My condolences to her family and friends. My son and I were flipping through Neflix and we watched the movie " A League of Their Own" last night and I explanied to my 14 yr. old son that she was a very talented player we were very inspired by her talent skills. We said a prayer for her family and friends. She will always be remembered and hopefully my son contiues playing baseball. We will see the movie again tonight, may God bless ya'. Respectfully yours Star*
Holly Bruns
February 11, 2013
Talented lady. Her story Very inspiring as I grew up playing . May she play ball up in the clouds.
Lynn Szostek, former catcher
February 9, 2013
Thank you, Ms. Pepper, for opening the door! Because of you, we all had a moment that will last beyond a dream, beyond a lifetime! We are the lucky ones! Now and forever, we will always think of you!
Beatrice McGarry
February 8, 2013
I had the honor of meeting "Pepper" at a Women Veterans/Active Reserve lucheon. I couldn't get enough of her. She was and is an inspiration to me. I lost my mother on 01/26/2013. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. I know you'll be seeing her in all the old familar places.
Celeste Crago
February 7, 2013
It is an honor simply to read this snapshot of Lavonne "Pepper" Paire-Davis life, and to touch my heart to hers through the love a baseball. God Bless You, Ms. Pepper, what a gift you gave!
Karen Milligan
February 7, 2013
An inspiration to all of us who loved playing ball as much as life itself!
Pam Rickgauer
February 6, 2013
I was truly inspired by you. Thank you.
Vanessa Lewis-DeBoer
February 6, 2013
Dearest Will and family,
My sincere condolences and love to you all.
I have always enjoyed my memories of Pepper and will continue to find her inspirational. She was inspirational for her love of the game and her legacy-leading the way for women in sports. She taught myself and many of us so much about enjoying life. Pepper was so good to people and she was good people.
My life was richer for having the great fortune of knowing her, thanks Willy.
May Pepper rest in peace.
February 6, 2013
To the family you have my deepest symapathy the death of a loved one is the most devasting experiences a human can face at times the loss may seem unbearable something that can faclitate the release of grief is crying there is a time to weep says the Bible Ecclesiastes 3.1.4
February 5, 2013
Rest in peace, Pepper. Blessings to your family as they celebrate your life yet mourn your loss.
--an old catcher from OK
Lilli Garcia
February 5, 2013
Saddened to hear of her passing, she was a true inspiration and an Icon.
Rest in Paradise. Condolences to her family.
Michael
February 5, 2013
Just got done watching league of there own. I just came across this. So thank-you for being one of many who kept the game going through the war day....
February 5, 2013
mET YOU BUT NEVER GOT TO KNOW YOU. GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE.
Tracey Dees
February 5, 2013
Thank you for leading the way for all of us gals. Hope you are running the bases right now.
Marie
February 5, 2013
Now you are playing ball with the Angel's. I too love the game and still do. Rest in Peace, Pepper.
February 5, 2013
Many condolences to "Pepper's" family & friends. What a great inspiration she was to young women! Also loved the movie. May Gods promises of a day when no one will grow old & die be of comfort & hope during this difficult time (Job 33:25)
Kris
February 5, 2013
Bravo to you & your teammates for your spunk, guts and fortitude which opened the doors for young women to follow in your footsteps.
S.Griggs
February 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 5, 2013
rip
Ceci Derks
February 5, 2013
R.I.P. Ms. Paire-Davis. Loved the movie, it's one of my all time favorites! Thank You for all you did back then. And now, a chance to play for the "Big Guy" "Dirt in the Skirt"
Lisa Thomas
February 5, 2013
It with sadness that a beautiful lady left those of us to morn her leaving but God smiled from the heavens and welcomed her home. Because of this woman, I was able to play softball in grade school and fast pitch ball in high school, college & leagues thereafter for 10 more wonderful years. My love for the sport carried over with my son who began playing when he was just 5 years old and he finally "retired" at 25 years old after 20 years. I learned how to be a catcher & taught my son the same even had the pleasure of watching her movie portrayal numerous times. The world is a sadder place without Ms. Paire-Davis. Our condolences & prayers to the family!!!
Maryellen
February 4, 2013
God Bless you Pepper. Loved the movie "A League of Their Own". Especially the part played by Geena Davis. I hope she was able to meet you! R.I.P. dear gal. Condolences to Pepper's family.
Robert E. Furgione
February 4, 2013
Dear Miss Lavonne,
thank you for all your efforts in providing my parents generation such great entertainment. I am certain your legacy will live on as inspiration for the great League of Their Own Movie for many generations past present and future. God bless you we all cannot thank you enough. Sincerest condolences to your family.
Wendy Brown
February 4, 2013
In junior high, years ago, we had a gym teacher that was part of that original team. She kept her maiden name private, and would talk a little bit about the experience. She has since passed away, I don't think there are too many left if any at all now. Sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close.
Donna Benichasa
February 4, 2013
Women like your self& your teammates led the way for future girls& women to play in sports today. Donna&Tom Benichasa
Patti Moy
February 4, 2013
Thanks for the memories and your contributions to women's sports. It's been a pleasure. Now....PLAY BALL!
February 4, 2013
For all of the lives that you have touched.
Lena Sullivan
February 4, 2013
I am so saddened by the loss of Ms. Pepper Paire-Davis. She was a truly inspirational woman who had a love for life. My condolences to her family and friends. Thanks for the memories.
Joan Brayer
February 4, 2013
There is crying in baseball today at the lost of another hero in baseball history,"Pepper!" I love the movie "A League of Their Own!" Most importantly the history these gals made in being pioneers for all women's sports!!!! I read her book and enjoyed it immensely! I can best honor her memory and others that have gone before her as becoming an associate member of the AAGPBL! Also to see that generations to come know their history and keep it alive!!!! Thank you "Pepper" in all that you have done for baseball!!!! You never dropped the ball!!! You are safe at home...in baseball heaven!
May you rest in peace!
My sympathy to your love ones!
Joan Brayer
4502 Hearthstone Drive
Janesville, Wisconsin 53546
608-718-0421
Ruth Davis
February 4, 2013
Hey, Pepper! Seems like you've been in my life almost all of my life. It's gonna be strange not sharing this earth with you now, Thanks for all the times you shared your knowledge with a freckled face little kid who wanted to be a catcher too. And all the fun shared at reunions. Gonna miss you gal but at least now that team in heaven has a great catcher to complete the roster! My thoughts and prayers go swiftly to your family and friends who will also miss you so much.
February 4, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Pepper and three other players at an autograph show. This was not long after the movie "A League of Their Own" came out. The ladies were all so nice and happy to talk about their experiences as players. They chatted about the Hall of Fame and also the movie. Pepper signed a card for me with a personal message. For a softball player and baseball fanatic like me, meeting them (especially Pepper) was a highlight! My prayers go out to the family. Thanks for sharing this special lady with all of us.
Anita Bononno
February 4, 2013
My dad umpired for the league all the years it was in existance. He loved every minute of it and so did his family and the fans in Racine. It was a special time. All my sympathy to Pepper's family.
Ivy
February 4, 2013
God Bless You,Sweet Soul.
Ucla Softball "Dreams do come True"
Wera Jacobs
February 4, 2013
Thank You for showing future generations that dreams do come true. May you be in the Gracious Arms of God.
February 4, 2013
Was an amazing story and woman. God Bless you and your family!
Ron Sall
February 4, 2013
I started as a volunteer for the Security Mutual Life Insurance charity "All-Star Golf " Tournament in Binghamton , New York and met these wonderful , fun , eye twinkling ladies and was hooked.. I have remained a volunteer so that I could spend extra time with them when they were in town. Christmas cards and phone calls , and visits to nursing homes , kept us together . I will never forget the fun and love shared with Pepper and the time I wheeled her to my store in Downtown Binghamton and the reception she received everywhere we went. The many pictures , her book , and autographed baseballs , and her stories will be with me the rest of my life. The good lord now has her and heaven will be a better place ,as the world was a better place with her past and forever...Between my tears , there will always be wonderful memories..God bless her ...Career well done..I love you Pepper .... Ron Sall
G. Johnson
February 4, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Chip Gesell
February 4, 2013
Such a kind woman, she will be missed.
Chip
February 4, 2013
LIKE A MAN WHOM HIS OWN MOTHER KEEPS COMFORTING,SO I MYSELF SHALL KEEP COMFORTING YOU PEOPLE." PSLM{66:13}SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS....M
Jennifer Lesko
February 4, 2013
Pepper was truly an inspiration to all of us. I met Pepper in 2007 when she came to Binghamton NY to support the Broome County Urban League Black Aces All Star Golf Tournament. Her support of the Broome County Urban League and our youth was truly appreciated. We will never forget her stories, her laughter and her obvious love of life.
She will be truly missed. Our condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Broome County Urban League Board of Directors and staff.
Patti R
February 4, 2013
Rest in peace. I hope young women can take the lead from your example !
Mary Deharrold
February 4, 2013
I had the good fortune of meeting this amazing woman. She will be truly missed. My prayers are with Susie and her family.
Michele Cooke
February 4, 2013
Thank you for showing, along with all the other wonderful women of the League, that playing baseball is just as much a women's sport as a man's. My prayers & condolences to your family, you will be with them always in their hearts & memories.
E.A. Urrutia
February 4, 2013
You were a great lady! My condolances to the family. God bless u all. The Lord will give u strength.
February 4, 2013
An amazing story for an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers for all of you in your time of loss. She had an amazing life and has left a legacy that will/should not be forgotten...God Speed Pepper...
Terrel Jamett Clark
February 4, 2013
Sorry for your loss. She was a super lady to keep baseball alive during WWII. I had five Uncles in that was and they were all super men to me. God bless her and all the family.
February 4, 2013
She was a very big inspiration to me.Rest in Peace Pepper!
Ev
February 4, 2013
Thank you, Ms Paire-Davis, for putting women's baseball into the history books !
RIP and may God bless your family.
mamie merritt
February 4, 2013
What a great lady , courage to live her life doing what she loved.
February 4, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Paire-Davis family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
February 4, 2013
God bless you ~
C. Nabor
February 4, 2013
May you be comforted by the scriptural thoughts at Psalms 121. Our Heavenly Father gives assurance of His love and support for you.
February 4, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Carole Owens
February 4, 2013
Thank you, Pepper. You laid the groundwork for me to play baseball with the boys during my childhood. I,too, was a catcher. With an enduring love for my Detroit Tigers. thank you for blazing the trail.To you, her family, may your memories sustain you through this difficult time and provide you with joyful strength.
Pat LoPresti
February 4, 2013
My God Bless and thank you.
Pepper - (me) - Dolly - Gina "Chirpie" Casey
Sheryl Evans
February 4, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Pepper's loved ones and close friends. Pepper traveled to Binghamton every year for the Jim "Mudcat" Grant All Star tournament and through my association with the tournament I spent a great deal of time with her. She had a kind heart, a strong wit, and I will miss her very much. She couldn't make it this past September due to her failing health and was greatly missed. We had a wonderful time with her last year and I will treasure the moments of the years we had with her forever. Truly saddened.
Dawn Roberts
February 4, 2013
May you be comforted in this time of sorrow, remember in she was an important part of American History and an inspiration during the dark days of the War.
Scott Chamberland
February 4, 2013
Rest in Peace
JEN HALLEEN
February 3, 2013
THANKS FOR PLAYING .IT TURNED HEADS AND MADE US LADIES START PLAYING . THANKS .
R.I.P SLUGGER
Kimberly F
February 3, 2013
I met Pepper when when she came to Binghamton, NY for the Mudcat Grant Golf Tournament. She was a sweet woman. RIP Ms. Paire-Davis. You will be missed.
Susan Gardner
February 3, 2013
Daughter Susan Davis Gardner. She was a great lady and will be missed by her family, friends and fans.
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