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New York Yankees minor league manager Rachel Balkovec was struck by a batted ball during a recent team practice. The Yankees reported that Balkovec, who manages in Single-A, is in good condition and the incident will not affect her 2022 managerial duties.
Balkovec is set to make history this season, as she will become the first female manager of an affiliated baseball team. She was hired during the offseason by the Yankees to manage the Single-A Tampa Tarpons.
She has been around the game for a long time. Balkovec played softball in college and first entered professional baseball as a strength and conditioning coordinator for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014.
She has endured a long journey to get to this point, but Balkovec is set to make history on April 8th as the Tarpons open the season against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
Thankfully, she is expected to be available for her first day of managing. This injury obviously could have resulted in far worse than a one-week absence. Balkovec was able to avoid a concussion and will see doctors regularly for 5-7 days before she returns.
Balkovec offered the following statement in regards to the incident.
“All things considered, I feel very fortunate. The doctors have asked me to be smart about limiting my activities over the next several days, and I plan on following their guidance. As much as I already miss being around the players and staff, I do not anticipate this affecting my role and responsibilities for the regular season.”
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Rachel Balkovec will be ready to roll for her managerial debut.
