Yankees' Honorary Bat Girl selected

NEW YORK -- Erika Rech has been selected as the Yankees' representative for the 2012 Honorary Bat Girl program, which recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and demonstrate a commitment of "Going to Bat" in the fight against the disease.

The 30 winners, one per Major League club, will be recognized on-field at ballparks on Mother's Day or an alternate date. Each winner was selected by a guest-judging panel that includes Major League players and celebrities, in addition to fan votes cast on HonoraryBatGirl.com.

Rech, a 19-year-old sophomore at the Villanova University School of Business, was just 15 when her mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Six months later, her aunt was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, and a third aunt was diagnosed soon after.

In response, Rech helped start a charity -- Breast Intentions -- to assist cancer patients. Her charity has raised more than $500,000 for women in need.

During Major League Baseball's annual Mother's Day national day of recognition, Honorary Bat Girls will take part in pregame activities and receive pink MLB merchandise as well as two tickets to the game.