25 'A League of Their Own' Quotes from the Cult Sports Film with Tom Hanks

"A League of Their Own" is a classic sports comedy film that centers around a fictional account of the real-life stories of members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Led by a star-studded cast, the film explores different narratives of women in sports (specifically baseball), how they are seen in society, and what is expected of them. Below are 25 of some of the most iconic "A League of Their Own" quotes.

Directed by Penny Marshall, released in 1992, and set in the World War II era, "A League of Their Own" is more than just a story about how the AAGPBL revolutionized baseball; it highlights the importance of friendship and empowerment as essential concepts in womanhood. After Walter Harvey persuades his players to start a women's baseball league, the characters get together to form their team, the Rockford Peaches.

Jimmy Dugan, played by Hollywood legend Tom Hanks, comes aboard as the team's tough coach. Initially, the league doesn't draw much attraction or attention from the public or media. However, soon after publicity campaigns are created, there follows an increased affinity for the sport as a whole. Friendship and sisterhood are strong themes that weave the stories of each woman together.

Each player's story is told through various experiences they each go through. Real and relatable life experiences, combined with the comical juxtaposition of hard-working women on the field who take etiquette classes and the well-written script, have established the film as a staple in pop culture. These 25 "A League of Their Own" quotes, which have originated countless references, prove this to be the case.

Doris Murphy's quote: "What do you think we are? Baseball players or ballerinas?" | Source: AmoDays

Inspirational 'A League of Their Own' Quotes

"Baseball is what gets inside you. It's what lights you up; you can't deny that." — Jimmy Dugan

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard… is what makes it great." — Jimmy Dugan

"I'll tell you what I'll miss. Well, I'll miss the girls." — Dottie Hinson

"You got yourself in the league; I got you on the train." — Dottie Hinson

"They always made me feel wrong, like I was some sort of a weird girl or a strange girl or not even a girl, just because I could play. I believed them, too, you know? But not anymore. I mean, look, there's a lot of us. I think we're all alright." — Doris Murphy

Mae Mordabito's quote: "You know, they got over 100 girls, so, um, some of you are gonna have to go home." | Source: AmoDays

"You stink, you're lousy, you're only the best player in the league." — Jimmy Dugan

"I, I gave away five years at the end my career to drink. Five years. And now there isn't anything I wouldn't give to get back any one day of it." — Jimmy Dugan

"My name's Mae, and that's more than a name." — Mae Mordabito

"Oh, what the difference does it make? She's reading, okay? That's the important thing. Now go away, go, shoo, shoo. Go ahead, Shirley, you're doing good." — Mae Mordabito

"What do you think we are? Baseball players or ballerinas?" — Doris Murphy

Jimmy Dugan's quote: "Baseball is what gets inside you. It's what lights you up; you can't deny that." | Source: AmoDays

'A League of Their Own' Quotes Highlighting Lessons

"Are you crying? There's no crying! There's no crying in baseball!" — Jimmy Dugan

"It is only a game, Jimmy. It's only a game, and, and, I don't need this." — Dottie Hinson

"Look, I'm married; I'm happy. That's what I want, so let's not confuse things." — Dottie Hinson

"You know, they got over 100 girls, so, um, some of you are gonna have to go home." — Mae Mordabito

"And what am I supposed to do, huh? Go back to taxi dancin'? Ten cents, so some slob can sweat gin all over me? I'm never doin' that again!" — Mae Mordabito

Jimmy Dugan's quote: "Sneaking out like this, quitting, you'll regret it for the rest of your life." | Source: AmoDays

"Come on, Dottie. You've got the whole rest of your life to hang around here. Never go anywhere, never do anything..." — Kit Keller

"You think there are men in this country who ain't seen your bosoms?" — Doris Murphy

"You ever hear Dad introduce us to people? 'This is our daughter Dottie, and this is our other daughter, Dottie's sister.' Should've just had you and bought a dog!" — Kit Keller

"Something important has just happened. I was in the toilet reading my contract, and it turns out I get a bonus when we get to the World Series. So, let's play hard, let's play smart. Use your heads!" — Jimmy Dugan

"It was made very clear to me what I'm supposed to do here. I smile, wave my little hat… I did that, so when do I get paid?" — Jimmy Dugan

Dottie Hinson's quote: "I'll tell you what I'll miss. Well, I'll miss the girls." | Source: AmoDays

'A League of Their Own' Wisdom-Filled Quotes

"Sneaking out like this, quitting, you'll regret it for the rest of your life." — Jimmy Dugan

"Don't make my little girl suffer because I messed up raising her." — Dave Hooch

"We told them it was their patriotic duty to get out of the kitchen and go to work; and now, when the men come back, we'll send them back to the kitchen." — Ira Lowenstein

"Well I was just wonderin' why you would throw home when we got a two-run lead. You let the tying run get on second base and we lost the lead because of you. Start using your head." — Jimmy Dugan

Doris Murphy's quote: "You think there are men in this country who ain't seen your bosoms?" | Source: AmoDays

The 25 aforementioned "A League of Their Own" quotes not only show the different facets and character developments of the characters in the film, but they also highlight the movie's overarching themes: teamwork and sisterhood. Moreso than showing the honest and authentic friendships established between the players, the quotes also show society's complex and sometimes harmful narratives concerning women who break the status quo.

The inclusion of some quotes spoken by the male characters also shows how deeply the patriarchy is rooted in everyday life. However, the strong and formidable personas of the female members of the AAGPBL who aren't afraid to speak their minds show the importance of women pushing against patriarchal rhetoric.

Read "92 Women Empowerment Quotes from Legendary Women to Help You Reclaim Your Power" for more quotes from other iconic women about the importance and impact of women in society.