Major League Baseball has launched the 2016 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, which will recognize one fan per MLB Club who has been affected by breast cancer and has demonstrated a commitment to battling the disease.  
Rays fans ages 18 and older can share stories about themselves or loved ones who are "Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer" by visiting HonoraryBatGirl.com, powered by MLB Advanced Media, for a chance to be recognized on-field by the Rays on July 17. Fans also are invited to visit the site to vote for these inspirational stories, which are designed to provide hope and motivation for the fight against breast cancer. Entries can be submitted by breast cancer survivors, friends and family, advocates and/or supporters of the cause through April 14 at 4:59 p.m. ET.
A panel of judges, including a guest judging panel, will help select the winning submissions 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). 
The Honorary Bat Girl program was introduced in 2009 to raise additional awareness and support for the annual "Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer" initiative, which is commemorated on Mother's Day. In seven years, thousands of unique testimonials have been submitted and millions of fan votes have been cast. Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer is a Major League Baseball initiative supported by its charitable partners, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen. The initiative raises awareness about breast cancer, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research.
On every Mother's Day since 2006, hundreds of MLB players use pink bats by Louisville Slugger, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, stamped with the MLB breast cancer awareness logo. To further demonstrate their support for the breast cancer cause, players and on-field personnel have worn the symbolic pink ribbon on their uniforms as well as pink wrist bands. Commemorative dugout lineup cards also have been pink and stamped with the pink ribbon logo. Game-used Louisville Slugger pink bats and other game-used gear from Mother's Day games have been auctioned exclusively on MLB.com to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.
For more information, please visit HonoraryBatGirl.com.