Edith Houghton, a North Philadelphia native and graduate of Girls’ High, was a true pioneer in baseball whose remarkable career began at an incredibly young age. Nicknamed “The Kid,” she was taught the game by her father and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a standout on the semi-professional girls’ team “The Bobbies” by age 10. At just 13, she traveled to Japan to compete against men, showcasing her extraordinary talent on an international stage. Houghton continued her playing career into adulthood, transitioning to softball in the 1930s and later playing for the WAVES baseball team during World War II.
In 1946, she broke new ground when Phillies owner Bob Carpenter hired her as Major League Baseball’s first female scout, where she successfully signed 15 players. Beyond baseball, Houghton also served her country in the Navy during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She lived a long and impactful life, passing away in 2013 just shy of her 101st birthday, with her legacy preserved through memorabilia featured in the “Diamond Dreams” exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
