USA Women's National Team manager Veronica Alvarez becomes MLB Girls Baseball Ambassador

Major League Baseball (MLB) named USA Women's National Team manager Veronica Alvarez their first Girls Baseball Ambassador.

"Veronica has been a valuable presence alongside our efforts to grow the game among women and girls," said Tony Reagins, MLB's chief baseball development officer. "Her achievements as a player, manager, professional coach and in player development will inspire young women to not only play our game but also pursue their own successes at the highest levels. We are excited to continue this journey with her."

"A big factor in my life is finding your why, which gives you more purpose in everything you do," Alvarez added. "I’ve always said that my why is to grow the game for girls and women. To inform them and let them know there’s a spot for them in this game. So, this role allows me to do that in a bigger capacity. Not only do I get to contribute on the field, but I get to contribute to bringing new ideas to the table in terms of visibility -- because visibility is so important."

Born in 1983 in Miami to Cuban parents, as a catcher Alvarez helped the US win the 2015 Pan American Games and earn one silver (2012 Canada) and two bronze medals (2008 Japan, 2010 Venezuela) at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup.

She served under manager Matthew Weagle at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup 2018 and took over as the manager in 2019.

She is currently the Oakland A's Coordinator of Player Development in Latin America.