Arleene Johnson Noga: Canada’s “Iron Lady”
Born on May 5, 1924, in Ogema, Saskatchewan, Arleene Johnson Noga made her mark in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1945-48. Early on, she developed her baseball skills on local sandlots and soon gained a reputation as a talented and versatile player. Her athletic ability as an outstanding Senior A softball player in Regina, SK caught the attention of scouts from the AAGPBL (founded in 1943 as a way to keep baseball alive during World War II while many male players were serving in the military). As one of 68 Canadians to play in the league, she helped pave the way for female athletes in baseball.
In 1945, Noga played 15 games for the Fort Wayne Daisies before being traded to the Muskegon Lassies, where she flourished for two seasons (see artifacts 1 and 2). She quickly became known for her sure-handed defense, particularly at third base, and in 1947, she set an AAGPBL record for the best fielding percentage (.942) at the position. That same year, she played a key role in helping the Lassies capture the league pennant. Her remarkable durability also earned her the nickname “Iron Lady”, as she played in over 300 consecutive games. Over her career, Noga competed in 354 AAGPBL games, ranking eighth among Canadian players in league history. She also placed among the top Canadian AAGPBL players in at bats (1,119), RBIs (91), stolen bases (123), hits (183) and runs (103).
Following her AAGPBL career, Noga continued to compete in organized softball in Regina from 1949 to 1979. During that time, she was a member of nine provincial championship teams and helped them win five Western Canada titles. She was a two-time league MVP, two-time batting champion, and a first-team All-Star selection. Beyond her playing career, she took on leadership roles as a coach, helping to develop young athletes in her later years. Noga remained deeply connected to the AAGPBL and women’s baseball throughout her life (see artifact 3). She served for 12 years on the board of directors of the AAGPBL Players Association and became a spokesperson for Canadian AAGPBL players. In the early 1990s, she was hired as a technical advisor for Penny Marshall’s film “A League of Their Own”.
Noga was a tireless promoter of women’s baseball, frequently speaking at school assemblies, banquets, and baseball clinics for girls, ensuring that future generations had opportunities to play the sport she loved. She passed away on March 14, 2017, in Regina, Saskatchewan, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing women’s baseball.
Photographs appear courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Noga family.
