Objects of Substance - Knickerbockers

1967 Lynda Kleimeyer at Downey Park, newspaper source unknown.

As Brisbane softball clubs grew and more girls were introduced to the sport at primary school, QGSSSA schools were blessed with students who understood this complex, skilful game, its highly competitive nature, and physicality. Therefore, more girls were willing, and possessed the skills, to slide into home plate to score the winning run or “steal” second base by executing a hook slide. The 1971 captain of softball, Pauline Harvey, supported by my mother, Mrs Joy Harvey who created the uniform, and Physical Education teacher, Mrs Jan Salzman (1960) approached the Headmistress, Miss Nancy Shaw with a new Grammar softball uniform incorporating royal blue caesarella knickerbockers with a sleeveless V necked top and white undershirt. I can remember standing nervously in Miss Shaw’s office modelling the new uniform, desperately hoping she would agree to the concept. The rest is history as they say, with the new design being a first of its kind in the QGSSSA competition. Knickerbockers soon became de rigueur with the other QGSSSA schools, as it gave added protection and confidence to the players, enhanced skills, and offered a professional appearance to the sport.