Honorary Bat Girl advocates for cancer awareness

SAN DIEGO -- When Lorraine Hutchinson was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2012, she probably never imagined that it some day could lead to her standing on a Major League Baseball field.

That's exactly what happened, however, on Sunday, when Hutchinson was honored prior to the Padres' game against the Marlins as the winner of the 2014 Honorary Bat Girl contest hosted by each team on Mother's Day.

The contest recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer, and Hutchinson was honored during an on-field ceremony and given pink MLB memorabilia and tickets to a suite at the game for her family.

Hutchinson planned to use the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for early detection of breast cancer to help others beat the disease as she did.

"This is an awesome opportunity to have been selected to be an Honorary Bat Girl," Hutchinson said. "But mostly, it gives me an opportunity to bring awareness to breast cancer and early detection."

A longtime San Diego resident and also a Deputy Chief for the San Diego Fire Department, Hutchinson said she is proud to spread the word and advocate for women's health.

"I was very excited to know I had been selected for this honor," Hutchinson said. "It is an honor to represent the cancer survivors of San Diego, and I just want to get the message out about breast cancer awareness. I want to let everyone know that early detection is the key to survival for breast cancer. Getting mammograms, and just advocating for your health, this gives me a platform to do that."

In addition to bringing other members of her family along for the pregame honors, Hutchinson said she was especially proud to have her father present for the festivities.

"I'm really excited to be out here with my dad," Hutchinson said. "He's a huge Padres fan, and this is the best Mother's Day gift ever."