KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Doris Sams, a fast-pitch player from Knoxville who helped inspire the movie "A League of Their Own," has died at the age of 85.
The Stevens Mortuary Chapel says a funeral service was Sunday for Sams, who died Thursday. According to The Knoxville News Sentinel, she had been battling Alzheimer's for three years.
Sams, a pitcher-outfielder also called Sammye, was a leading player in the All-American Girls Base Ball League, now known as the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. According to the league's website, she was a five-time all-star during her eight-year pro career.
She made the circuit's honor team in 1947 and from 1949 through 1952. She averaged more than .300 during each of her last four seasons.
One sportswriter called her "calm and cool at all times."
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