Bitty Schram Biography

Elizabeth Natalie “Bitty” Schram is a Golden Globe nominated American actress. She is known for her role as Evelyn, the baseball-playing mother who makes the mistake of crying in front of manager Tom Hanks during a baseball game in Penny Marshall’s A League of Their Own (1992). She also played Sharona Fleming in the award-winning TV series Monk (2002–2004) for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Supporting actress Bitty Schram had the small but memorable role of Evelyn, the baseball-playing single mother who makes the mistake of crying in front of manager Tom Hanks during a baseball game in Penny Marshall’s A League of Their Own (1992). A native of New Jersey and a graduate of the University of Maryland, Schram has gone on to have a steady career in feature film and specializes in light comedy. She also appears on stage and occasionally on television.

Born in Mountainside, New Jersey, Bitty Schram is a critically acclaimed, award winning actress. Bitty (full name Elizabeth Natalie Schram) studied at the University of Maryland with a tennis scholarship and graduated with a degree in advertising design. Having known for numerous years that she wanted to act, she pursued roles in both film and television as well as Broadway theater.

The role that initially made her fame was Evelyn Gardner in Penny Marshall’s directed film A League of Their Own. After bursting into tears Bitty’s character was scolded with the now famous line, “There’s no crying in baseball!”

In 2002 Bitty landed the lead role opposite Tony Shalhoub on the hit USA Comedy series Monk. Fans of the show fell in love with her sweet character mixed with a tough, no-nonsense New York exterior.

With a knack for comedy, Bitty helped turn the show into a favorite for viewers. USA Network released her mid-way through the show’s third season stating they wanted to take the character in new directions. Some theorize, however, that her bid for a salary increase was met by termination.

Sharona’s character was replaced by Natalie Teeger, played by Traylor Howard. Bitty is also an accomplished stage actress. She appeared as one of the original cast members in Neil Simon’s hit Broadway production Laughter on the 23rd Floor with Nathan Lane. Bitty has worked with many household name actors such as Tom Hanks, Michelle Pfeiffer, George Clooney, Diane Keaton, and Kathy Bates.