Gwen Goldman, an ardent baseball enthusiast, harbored a lifelong dream of becoming a bat girl for the
iconic New York Yankees since her early years. However, her aspirations were shattered back in 1961
when then-general manager Roy Hamey rejected her application, succumbing to the gender stereotypes
and discrimination prevalent during that era.
Nevertheless, Gwen refused to relinquish her dream. She remained an unwavering lover of the game
and dedicated herself to a career as a physical education teacher for several decades. It took over 60
years, but finally, the tides turned, and Gwen’s dream transformed into reality.
The current Yankees general manager, Brian Cashman, caught wind of Gwen’s remarkable story and
resolved to make her lifelong dream come true. In a heartfelt letter, Cashman acknowledged the
Yankees’ commitment to dismantling gender boundaries and championed gender equality in the realm
of baseball.
Crucially, Gwen’s daughter, Abby, played an instrumental role in making her mother’s dream a reality.
Abby shared Gwen’s story with Cashman, hoping that the winds of change had shifted in favor of
progress and equality. Fortuitously, they had indeed.
Just two days after Cashman’s invitation, Gwen stepped onto the field as a bat girl, embraced warmly by
the team’s crew, instantly feeling like an integral part of the Yankees family. Overwhelmed with joy and
gratitude, Gwen exclaimed, “Amazing, a 60-year-old dream realized.”
This heartwarming tale stands as a powerful testament to the significance of perseverance and the
transformative power of advocacy. Gender discrimination has no place in any domain, and it remains
crucial to persistently dismantle these barriers while advocating resolutely for equality.
Thanks to the unwavering efforts of individuals like Brian Cashman and Abby, Gwen Goldman finally
achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a bat girl for the revered New York Yankees.