Wilder was opposed to girls interscholastic athletics and took a stand. Beginning in the 1890s and continuing into the 1920s, it wasn't uncommon for state high schools to sponsor girls teams. Some even held boys and girls doubleheaders. But the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association voted to abolish girls sports in 1927. Wilder was one of the leading supporters of the ban that remained in effect for more than 40 years.
Boys have a history of active and continuous athletic experience.
It is not reasonable to expect growing girls to step into such a program without overtaxing one's emotional, if not physical equipment. Pitched in the majors from 1916-'34. Won 20 or more games five times from 1920-'29. Last of the legal spitball pitchers. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964.