The Orioles are proud to support Major League Baseball in the eighth annual Honorary Bat Girl Contest designed to celebrate the stories of fans who are "going to bat against breast cancer." The club invites Orioles fans to join in spreading awareness and support for the breast cancer cause by voting in the contest to determine who will be this year's Honorary Bat Girl for a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
 
Voting begins today and will continue through Thursday, April 14, at www.HonoraryBatGirl.com, and all fans 18 and over are encouraged to submit stories and nominate individuals that are "going to bat against breast cancer." The winner, as chosen by fans, will be honored at the Orioles game on Mother's Day, May 8, when the Orioles host the Oakland Athletics at 1:35 p.m. The winner will also receive two tickets to the game, a Louisville Slugger Pink Bat engraved with the winner's name, the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, a commemorative package including a jersey, pink wrist bands and pink decals, and a chance to watch batting practice from the field. Winning submissions are based on the following criteria: originality, quality of writing, demonstration of commitment to breast cancer awareness, and public appeal (as determined by online fan votes). Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman will serve as the club's representative and will help to determine the finalists. Both of Gausman's grandmothers passed away after fighting brave battles with breast cancer.
 
Last season, Sara Tresselt was named the Orioles Honorary Bat Girl. The 37-year-old was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcenoma-Breast Cancer in October of 2011. She demonstrated bravery and selflessness throughout her battle, continuing to volunteer at the local homeless shelter and soup kitchen each week. Tresselt also participated in a mission trip to Ecuador, bringing school supplies to an orphanage. Sadly, she passed away in September of 2015 after a courageous fight with breast cancer.
 
The Honorary Bat Girl Contest, a League-wide initiative that began in 2009, was developed to raise additional awareness and support for the annual Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer program, a joint program between Major League Baseball and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer organization.