Pink Bats Could Be Big Hit on Mother's Day

Hulking Jim Thome . Rugged Manny Ramirez . Brawny Adam Dunn .

"The thought of these big macho men, swinging pink bats to help women with breast cancer . . . what a novel idea," Louisville Slugger President John Hillerich said yesterday.

Major League Baseball granted special permission for players to use the colorful bats -- baby pink, at that -- for Mother's Day. They're part of a weeklong program to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Derek Jeter , David Eckstein and Marcus Giles are among dozens of players who intend to try them Sunday. This is the first time pink has been approved for bats -- dyed at the Louisville Slugger factory, they're usually black, brown, reddish or white.

Kevin Mench was among several Texas players who wanted his mother's name burned on the bats. The Rangers slugger, who homered in seven straight games earlier this season, also planned to have a bat for his grandmother, who died after a battle with breast cancer.

"My mom is the glue of our family, and I just want to do something to thank her for all that she has done," Mench said before last night's game against Minnesota. "At the same time, we are raising money for a great cause."

· PONSON OUT: Cardinals RHP Sidney Ponson was placed on the disabled list yesterday with a strained muscle in his right elbow.

Ponson, off to a 3-0 start, had to leave Sunday's 9-1 victory over the Marlins after throwing three innings. The Cardinals later said he strained the acute flexor muscle in his throwing elbow.

St. Louis recalled LHP Tyler Johnson from Class AAA Memphis.

-- From News Services