Watch CBS News

8-Year-Old Girl With 3D-Printed Hand Throws First Pitch For All 30 MLB Teams

DENVER (CBS4) - Hailey Dawson has always loved baseball. And at just 8 years old, she has set a new record in the Major League.

The Las Vegas native took a break from t-ball this season to focus on achieving a special goal.

"My goal is to throw out the first pitch for every major league baseball team," she told CBS4's Karen Morfitt back in May.

ROBOTIC HAND FIRST PITCH 10PKG.transfer_frame_79
CBS4's Karen Morfitt interviews Hailey Dawson. (credit: CBS)

It is a lofty goal for anyone, but Hailey, who was born with a rare condition known as Poland syndrome, has no fingers on her right hand.

ROBOTIC HAND FIRST PITCH 10PKG.transfer_frame_1364
(credit: CBS)

To hold on to things. She uses a 3D-printed robotic hand designed and built at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"When I bend my hand down, it closes into a fist, and when I bend my hand back open it opens," Hailey said.

She was 5 years old when she started tossing a baseball with her special hand.

Her mom, Yong Dawson says Hailey's first, first pitch at a UNLV game left her wanting more.

"When she goes, 'Mom, can I throw out the first pitch for the big Orioles?'" Dawson said. She responded to Hailey saying she would try, but that it would probably not happen.

Mom wrote a letter to the team, and Hailey did throw the first pitch.

ROBOTIC HAND FIRST PITCH 10PKG.transfer_frame_1934
(credit: Yong Dawson)

By the end of May, she had thrown the first pitch at Coors field and eight other MLB stadiums.

"I am never nervous. I am excited," Hailey said.

ROBOTIC HAND FIRST PITCH 10PKG.transfer_frame_2174
(credit: Yong Dawson)

While Hailey sees it simply as a new way to enjoy the game, mom knows it is bigger than baseball.

Her daughter, Hailey, is an inspiration.

"We could spread this awareness about this robotic hand, and other kids are getting it because they see her story. That's the greatest thing ever," Dawson said. They shared her story on social media with the hashtag #JourneyTo30.

Hailey completed her goal Sunday in Los Angeles -- setting a new Guinness World Record!

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.