Major League Baseball has announced the 2019 Honorary Bat Girls for each MLB Club in support of the annual “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative, which is traditionally commemorated each Mother’s Day. Clubs had the opportunity to hand-select their respective honorees, each of whom demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the battle against breast cancer. The Honorary Bat Girl for the Royals is Dr. Jane Boxterman from Basehor, Kan. An internal medicine physician at The University of Kansas Health System, Dr. Boxterman cares for many breast cancer survivors and women living with metastatic cancer. In May 2018, the mother of four was diagnosed with early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer that is challenging to treat. In addition to that complicated diagnosis, she has rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease which can complicate breast cancer treatment. Under the guidance of her care team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Dr. Boxterman had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and returned to her full-time medical practice in March. 

On Sunday, May 12 during Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the Royals will honor Dr. Boxterman and other survivors on the field during a special pregame ceremony. Other elements including the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat, first pitch and National Anthem singer will honor breast cancer survivors. In addition, Leslie Gordon, breast cancer survivor and mother of outfielder, Alex Gordon, will meet with survivors prior to the game. The Royals Charity 50/50 raffle presented by Edelman and Thompson, on Sunday both in stadium and online (starting immediately following the conclusion of the game on Saturday), will benefit Komen Kansas & Western Missouri. 

For the first time since the Honorary Bat Girl program’s inception in 2009, MLB has partnered with CrowdRise to host a fundraising contest for each of the Honorary Bat Girls to raise money to benefit Stand up to Cancer (SU2C) and Susan G. Komen. The winner of the contest will receive a trip to the 2019 World Series. MLB will donate all funds from the contest to SU2C and Komen.

As has been tradition since 2006, players will continue to swing pink bats and sport pink wristbands through the “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative, which is intended to raise awareness and, through donations and auction proceeds, funds to fight breast cancer. In recognition of this effort on Mother’s Day, players also will wear specially designed New Era caps highlighted by a pink crown and team color brim, while Club uniforms will feature the MLB breast cancer awareness logo, adorned with the symbolic pink ribbon, on the left chest. A matching pair of pink socks made by Stance is optional for every player. MLB players will continue to have the opportunity to use pink bats during Mother’s Day games. Louisville Slugger, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, will donate proceeds from the sale of their pink bats, which will also be stamped with the MLB breast cancer awareness logo, to Komen and SU2C. In addition to the pink bats on Mother’s Day, the following game equipment can be used for breast cancer awareness: compression sleeves, batting gloves, footwear, wrist/elbow/leg guards, and catcher’s equipment. The pink ribbon will also appear on the bases at each ballpark and the official dugout lineup cards. MLB will donate 100% of its royalties from sales of licensed apparel with the MLB pink ribbon logo to Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen.

About Honorary Bat Girl Program & “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer”

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 celebrated on Mother's Day. Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer is a Major League Baseball initiative supported by MLB charitable partners, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen. This initiative raises awareness about the breast cancer cause, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research. For more information, please visit HonoraryBatGirl.com.