Stone was the first woman to play professional baseball on a previously all-male major league team in the Negro Leagues. Born in Bluefield, she grew up in Minnesota and began playing semi-pro baseball in the 1940s.

In 1953, the Indianapolis Clowns signed Stone to play second base, replacing Hank Aaron after he left for the National League's Milwaukee Braves. Though some thought it was a publicity stunt, Stone proved she belonged. She once batted .364 and even got a hit off the legendary Satchel Paige (though some debate it happened). Aaron recalled that she was a "very good baseball player," and Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks described her playing style as "smooth."

Stone faced constant sexism but refused to quit, saying she stood up to umpires and players alike. She played one more season with the Kansas City Monarchs before retiring. In 1993, she was honored in the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.