Some things are worth waiting for.
Such is the case for 71-year-old Gwen Goldman, who, in 1961 as a 10-year-old girl, penned a letter to then-GM Roy Hamey requesting to become a bat girl for the team.
On June 25, 2021, the Yankees announced they are going to make it happen as part of their HOPE Week initiative on Monday, June 28 vs. the Angels.
In 1961, 10-year-old Gwen Goldman penned a letter to the Yankees expressing her dream of being a bat girl. The response she received from the GM at the time still hangs on her living room wall.
This HOPE Week, the Yankees will make 70-year-old Gwen’s dream come true. pic.twitter.com/9sMosEcPOz
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 25, 2021
Hamey’s response, denying Goldman of the opportunity in 1961, was pretty deplorable:
Dear Gwen,
Many thanks for your nice letter which was received in this morning’s mail.
While we agree with you that girls are certainly as capable as boys, and no doubt would be an attractive addition on the playing field, I am sure you can understand that in a game dominated by men a young lady such as yourself would feel out of place in a dugout.
Again, many thanks for writing and your interest in the Yankees.
Sincerely,
Roy Hamey / General Manager
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The letter was kept by Goldman in her home, and Goldman’s daughter reached out to notify the Yankees earlier this year of the situation. It wasn’t long after that the Yankees decided to rectify the situation.
The Yankees’ annual HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere and Excel), starts off on Monday and gives Goldman the full responsibilities of a bat person, including a spot in the dugout and all the duties and responsibilities that come with it.
Better late than never, that’s for sure.