LSU graduate Rachel Balkovec named first female minor league manager by Yankees

The New York Yankees have hired LSU alumnus Rachel Balkovec as the first full-time female manager in Minor League baseball history. Balkovec has been named manager of the Yankees’ Low-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons.

The Yankees have hired Rachel Balkovec as the manager of the @TampaTarpons, their Low-A affiliate.
She'll become the first female manager in affiliated professional baseball history. https://t.co/F1A9psUEqQ pic.twitter.com/EjQJmIVfmz

— MLB (@MLB) January 10, 2022

Balkovec, who earned a master’s degree in sport administration from LSU in 2012, previously worked for the White Sox, Cardinals and Astros organizations. She was a catcher for the University of New Mexico softball team before her time at LSU.

.@_rachelbalkovec tips her cap to the women who've paved the way. https://t.co/5mcqcHQ0o6 pic.twitter.com/t955mWoDtj

— MLB (@MLB) January 10, 2022

The 34-year old native of Omaha, Neb. also worked for the player development company Driveline Baseball.