Ange Armato, a former member of the Rockford Peaches and a trailblazer in women’s baseball, passed away at 96. The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association made this announcement on Sunday.
“Ange was part of an extraordinary generation of women who played a crucial role in shaping the future of baseball. Her contributions to the AAGPBL and her dedication to preserving the legacy of women’s professional baseball will always be remembered,” the Players Association said.
Born on October 27, 1929, in Rockford, Ange was affectionately known as “Lil Bonnie.” In 1945, she attended her first Rockford Peaches game, igniting her lifelong passion for the sport. Four years later, she signed a contract with the team, making her debut at first base. Her career was cut short by injury, but she returned to professional baseball in 1953 with the Kalamazoo Lassies.
Armato’s story took a memorable turn in 1991 when she was invited to participate in the hit film “A League of Their Own,” where she made a brief appearance. After retiring from baseball, she returned to Rockford to be with her family.
In 2017, the Greater Rockford Italian American Association honored her for her remarkable career. Ange passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the Charter Senior Living Center in Rockford, as noted in her obituary.
Ange Armato Cause of Death
Ange Armato’s cause of death was not immediately known. Armato passed away peacefully of a natural causes at the age of 96 on June 21 at Charter Senior Living Center in Rockford, according to an obituary.