Orioles RF Nick Markakis and Twins 3B Trevor Plouffe "have been told not to use" pink bats made by MaxBat during today's games to promote breast cancer awareness on Mother's Day, "because they don't comply with a league policy." Louisville Slugger parent company Hillerich & Bradsby "made what one source deemed 'a sizeable donation' to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the league's charitable partner." The terms of the donation "included other manufacturers being able to make pink bats but not stamp the bat with their logos." MaxBat "could be subject to a fine for simply shipping the bats to players" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 5/10).
MLB in honor of Mother's Day also will "introduce a new Rawlings baseball with pink stitching and graphics as the official game ball." Additionally, the league has selected 30 women as winners of its Honorary Bat Girl contest, which "recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and demonstrate a commitment to eradicating the disease." One winner per team will be recognized on the field today, or "during an alternative date for away clubs" (MLB.com, 5/12).
