NEW YORK -- Rachel Balkovec is aware of the negativity in her social media feeds and tries to leave it there. Her sisters see it, too, and can't help but pass along certain disparaging reactions to her barrier-breaking journey.
"It's hilarious to me," Balkovec said. "Because it's the American dream."
In the clubhouse? She hasn't seen any of that toxicity there.
Balkovec was introduced Wednesday as manager of the New York Yankees' low-A affiliate in the Florida State League. In taking over the Tampa Tarpons, Balkovec will become the first female manager in the history of affiliated baseball, an appointment 10 years in the making for the former college softball player.