Lori Petty Reflects on the Feminist Impact of ‘A League of Their Own’

Lori Petty says the 1992 film “A League of Their Own” was groundbreaking because it gave women roles beyond the usual portrayals of wives and mothers.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Petty said director Penny Marshall faced resistance from studios that doubted audiences would watch a movie centered on women. The film, based on the real All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, eventually became a major hit.

Petty recalled that large numbers of women auditioned for the film because they wanted opportunities to play different kinds of characters. She said the experience highlighted how limited women’s roles often were in Hollywood.

The actress, who played Kit Keller, also praised the film’s realistic baseball scenes. She said she actually hit the ball during her home-run scene and ran the bases without relying on movie tricks.

Filming was physically demanding. Petty said the cast played in heavy costumes and equipment during hot weather, and some actors became sick or fainted on set.

Looking back, Petty said the cast did not know they were making a movie that would become iconic. She said the film’s lasting popularity reflects the strong connection between the filmmakers and audiences.