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Borders has proven she's got a grasp on the game. V.J. Lovero

Use the menu below to read our biographies of the century's greatest sportswomen and then tell us who you think should be No. 1. Also, be sure to check out our expanded home page and our new issue which is on newsstands now.

98. Ila Borders, Baseball

1975-
First woman to pitch in a men's pro league during the regular season

As expected, there were a lot of skeptics. When Ila Borders was signed by the Northern League's St. Paul Saints on May 29, 1997, many considered it to be a publicity stunt aimed at putting people in the stands. But Borders knew she was legitimate. As a senior at Whittier Christian (Calif.) High, she was named the MVP of the Heralds' baseball team in 1993. Later that year, Southern California College made her the first woman to earn a college baseball scholarship. In '97 -- after appearing in only seven games with the Saints as a lefthanded reliever -- she was traded to Duluth-Superior and not only became the first woman to start and win a men's pro game but also helped the Dukes to the Northern League title. Borders started the 1999 season in Duluth before being traded to the Madison Black Wolf. In her 15 appearances for Madison this year (12 starts, 32.1 innings pitched), Borders went 1-0 and posted an impressive 1.67 ERA. Through her longevity she has managed to dispel the notion that a woman playing in a men's league is merely a novelty. And for those still convinced she's just a sideshow, Borders' ball, glove and uniform are on display in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., commemorating her college and pro achievements.

They said it: "I don't see myself as a pioneer. I just see myself as someone who loves baseball." -- Borders

-- Gil Lopez

Athletes were selected by Sports Illustrated For Women, Sports Illustrated and CNN/SI editors, writers and correspondents who considered the athletes' on-field performance and achievements, plus their contributions to women's sports. Because athletic achievement was a key criterion, women whose contributions were made solely in administration and coaching are not included.