Balkovec is set to become the first woman to become a full-time manager in Minor League Baseball

The New York Yankees are expected to name Rachel Balkovec as the new manager of their Low-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons, according to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic. Balkovec is believed to be the first woman to manage on a full-time basis in MLB's version of the minor leagues.

Balkovec, 34 years old, was previously the first woman to be named as a hitting coach. The Yankees appointed her to that position in their system prior to the 2020 season. She spent last season coaching in the Florida Complex League, but was rewarded with a spot on the Futures Game, an annual staple during MLB's All-Star Game festivities.

"I started thinking about my journey," Balkovec told MLB.com about that opportunity. "I've been in the game for more than 10 years, so this is something that's been a long time coming. My first reaction was to make sure that this is something I have earned and that I'm getting it for the right reasons, not maybe just because of my gender."

[www.cbssports.com]