METS TO RECOGNIZE TWO “HONORARY BAT GIRLS” IN 2021
STEPHANIE SCHMIDT AND JACKIE BARBER WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY, MAY 9 AT CITI FIELD
FLUSHING, N.Y., May 6, 2021 – The New York Mets today announced Stephanie Schmidt and Jackie Barber as the two Honorary Bat Girls who will represent the team in support of MLB’s annual “Honorary Bat Girl” initiative, an effort commemorated each Mother’s Day to highlight extraordinary efforts to support the fight against breast cancer. Schmidt and Barber, each of whom have demonstrated extraordinary strength in her battle against the disease, will be recognized at Citi Field on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9th.
Stephanie Schmidt is a NICU nurse at Cohen Children’s Medical Center and was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2020 at the age of 28 while 11 weeks pregnant. She gave birth to her son Wesley at only 35 weeks in the same NICU where she has spent the last four years working. Stephanie is currently receiving 12 weeks of chemotherapy infusions while raising her two young sons Wesley and Lucas.
Jackie Barber was a nurse at North Shore University Hospital when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received chemotherapy, radiation and surgery all while taking care of her five-year-old son with autism. After successful treatment, Jackie decided she wanted to support women going through a similar journey and is now a breast cancer nurse navigator, helping patients with treatment recommendations and advocating for their needs.
Stephanie and Jackie will be joined on Sunday by Mets’ catcher James McCann’s wife, Jessica. The McCanns are passionate about giving back to nurses and caretakers like Stephanie and Jackie as their two sons were born prematurely and spent time in the NICU. James and Jessica, along with the Mets, are honored to recognize these two incredibly strong women on Mother’s Day and celebrate their strength and resiliency.
As has been tradition since 2006, players will swing pink bats and sport pink wristbands in commemoration of the “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative, which is intended to raise awareness and funds, through donations and auction proceeds, to support efforts to address 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.
