All-American Girls Professional Baseball League ®
| Team | Position | Uniform # |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 Muskegon Belles | First Base & Outfield | 17 |
| 1954 Kalamazoo Lassies | Outfield | 11 |
Chris Ballingall (born May 17, 1932) is a former female catcher who played from 1953 through 1954 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5’6”, 145 lbs., she batted left-handed and threw right-handed.
A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ballingall learned to play baseball while catching for her twin brother. She had originally been offered a contract at the age of 15 to play in the AAGPBL, but her father did not want her to play then. She had to wait six years before being signed in 1953. She entered the league with the Muskegon Belles, and was traded to the Kalamazoo Lassies during midseason. She also appeared in a few games at first base and in the outfield.
In 1954, Ballingall posted a .242 batting average with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 90 games. In the playoffs, she hit .444 with eight RBIs and two home runs, including one grand slam to help the Lassies clinch the AAGPBL’s last-ever championship title. She and teammate Carol Habben, who hit a total of 16 homers (one in postseason), were dubbed the Home Run Twins because they terrorized opponents with their long ball bats.
Christina Ballingall passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 92. Christina was born on May 17, 1932, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Robert and Christina (Shoalbraid) Ballingall of Scotland. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, she was an avid athlete. She honed her skills while playing baseball with her twin brother David, and later she was offered a contract at the age of 15 to play in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) but waited six years to finally sign. Her two years in the league with the Muskegon Belles and Kalamazoo Lassies were highlighted with her final post season stats with two home runs including a grand slam to help the Kalamazoo Lassies clinch the last AAGPBL Championship title.
Her love of sports also provided the opportunity for her to excel in both bowling and golf later in life where she earned multiple city titles and championships, including being inducted in the Kalamazoo Area Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
She enjoyed woodworking and many craft projects focusing on flowers, nature, and her love of animals, especially cats.
Chris was also very active volunteering in support of the Mattawan Township Senior Lunch program for many years where she enjoyed comradery and great food.
Later in retirement, she moved to Crooked Lake in Texas Corners full-time where she enjoyed her view of the lake and lasting friendships with great neighbors.
Christina is proceeded in death by her parents, and brothers Robert and David. She is survived by her nephew David Ballingall, and nieces Lesley Turner and Karen Ballingall.
Friends will be received from 4-7 pm Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Adams-Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Avenue. Private Entombment will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Abor, MI.
Author: Unknown
Contributed By: Carol Sheldon
