Amanda Clement: World Champion Woman Umpire

While traveling with her brother Hank's team to Hawarden, Iowa, the hired umpire failed to appear. Known for her impeccable baseball knowledge, Amanda took the mask and called an error-free contest. Both semi-pro teams insisted on paying her $15—launching her professional career.

Amanda earned up to $25 to $50 per game (over $800 in modern purchasing power), financing her college education at Yankton College. She officiated across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota, regularly drawing record gate crowds eager to witness the 'Woman Umpire'.

Across six dominant seasons officiating roughly 50 matches a summer, Clement maintained an estimated 95%+ accuracy rate. Her legendary composure proved women could command elite professional sports officiating decades before major league integration.

"Miss Amanda Clement of Hudson, S.D., is the only recognized woman umpire in the country. She can throw a baseball like a cannonball and her decisions are never reversed."

"The presence of Miss Clement behind the plate has done more to civilize semi-professional baseball in the Midwest than a platoon of police officers."

"Through six strenuous seasons of umpiring in the blazing sun, Miss Clement earned her degree in physical education, inspiring a generation of athletic women."