Sandoval to help choose Honorary Bat Girls

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants fan favorite Pablo Sandoval has been named to the guest judging panel for the 2014 MLB Honorary Bat Girl program, joining Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, country music star Jason Aldean and MLB Network host Sam Ryan.

Sandoval will help choose a representative for each club in this competition, and fans can get involved by voting until April 14 at HonoraryBatGirl.com. Once the winners are selected, they will serve as bat girls on Mother's Day, May 11, or at a home game later in the month.

The league is partnering with Stand Up To Cancer and the Susan G. Komen Foundation in an effort to boost breast cancer awareness and raise research funds. Like years past, players will be using pink bats and playing gear when taking the field on Mother's Day.

For the Giants third baseman, breast cancer is an issue that hits close to home.

"When I played for the Class A San Jose Giants I lived with my host family, Donna and Ed Musgrave," Sandoval said. "They helped me with a new language, a new culture and really became my family. When we found out that Donna had cancer, we all joined together and battled as one."

The Honorary Bat Girl Program was introduced in 2009 and has since been supported by more than 4 million fan votes. Winners will be recognized in ceremonies before their respective games, receive pink MLB merchandise and two free tickets.