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Doris Sams

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"Just found out that Doris was my grandfathers cousin, I..."
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"Thanks for the memories."
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- Betty Francis

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Doris Sams (Associated Press)

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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Doris Sams, a pitcher and outfielder from Knoxville who helped inspire the movie "A League of Their Own," has died at the age of 85.

The Stevens Mortuary Chapel in Knoxville says Sams died Thursday and her funeral service was Sunday. According to The Knoxville News Sentinel, she had been battling Alzheimer's for three years.

Sams, also called Sammye, was a leading player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. According to the league's website, she was a five-time all-star during her eight-year pro career. She played for the Muskegon Lassies, later the Kalamazoo Lassies.

Sams made the circuit's honor team in 1947 and from 1949 through 1952. She averaged more than .300 during each of her last four seasons.

One sportswriter called her "calm and cool at all times."

Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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