Factual error: In the "training sequence" portion of the league formation, it shows the ladies being taught to pitch overhand. In actuality, the ladies in the league didn't pitch overhand until the later years. (00:23:50)
Factual error: In the final game when Kit comes to bat, we get a quick glimpse of the right field foul line and there is an umpire standing on the line behind first base. In a previous shot, we see an umpire standing on the left field foul line behind third base. In the 1940s, three umpires were used for the majority of the games. With a runner on first base, as is the situation here, the umpire would position himself between first and second base. During the shots of Kit running the bases after she hit the ball, we see no other umpire between first and second base or anywhere near second base.
Factual error: While Racine did win the title the first year of the league, their opponent in the championship was Kenosha, not Rockford. Also, the series went 5 games, not 7.
Factual error: In the first clubhouse scene, Jimmy Dugan is given a baseball card to autograph, It is a standard size card, which didn't get made until the 1950s. A Goudey card, which would have been appropriate for Dugan in the late 30s or early 40s, was much smaller.
Factual error: In the train scene, a Frisco (SL-SF) steam locomotive is shown, but the Frisco system did not serve Oregon.
Factual error: One of the stadium banners reads "Catch A Foul - Get A Kiss"; it is printed in the font Banco, which was created in 1951, eight years after the film is set.
Factual error: In the final inning of the last world series game, Dottie is seen catching a pop up as she falls into the dugout. You see the ball go into her glove and then, before she even hits the ground in the dugout, the ball has moved to her throwing hand. There is no way a catcher would even attempt to transfer the ball from their glove hand to their throwing hand while falling like that.
Factual error: The gas ratio sticker on the car was an A sticker which was only 3 gal. of gas a week. Unlikely they could go from IL to OR on that small amount of fuel.
Factual error: In some scenes during the games, the sun is in the direction of right field shining towards home plate. In professional baseball games, this is never allowed due to the sun being in the batters eyes. Side note: This is why no ballpark in major leagues ever had home plate on the east side of stadiums when they were built.
Factual error: Bob's ribbons on his uniform include the American Defense Service Medal which was issued from 1939 to Dec 7, 1941. Unlikely he'd have over 2 years of service (including pre-war) and only be a PFC. He was also missing the American Campaign Medal.
Answer: Rosie O'Donnell auditioned for the role of Marla, but lost it. Penny Marshal thought she was a good actress and so funny she created the role of Doris for her. As for Madonna, she was like all singers getting offered movie roles. She was very popular back in the 90's, but reportedly a total diva to work with.