Definition
Hailey Dawson (born 2005) is an American youth baseball player known for being the first female participant to throw a baseball using a 3‑dimensional (3D) printed prosthetic arm in professional Major League Baseball (MLB) events.
Overview
Dawson grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and was born without a left forearm. At the age of eight, she began playing baseball with the help of a custom‑made prosthetic arm designed by a team of engineers at the University of South Florida. Her prosthetic, created using 3D printing technology, enables her to grip a baseball and throw with functional accuracy comparable to that of her peers. Dawson gained national attention in 2018 when she was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Home Run Derby during MLB’s All‑Star Game, marking a milestone for inclusivity in the sport. Since then, she has participated in various youth baseball leagues, charity events, and advocacy initiatives promoting adaptive sports and advances in prosthetic technology.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Hailey” is derived from an Old English place‑name meaning “hay clearing,” while “Dawson” is a patronymic surname meaning “son of David.” In this context, the terms refer to the personal name of the individual rather than a concept with a distinct linguistic origin.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Early Life | Born in 2005 in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. |
| Medical Condition | Congenital absence of the left forearm (transverse deficiency). |
| Prosthetic Development | Collaborated with the University of South Florida’s Center for Assistive, Rehabilitation, and Imaging Technologies (CARIT) to produce a lightweight, 3D‑printed prosthetic arm made from polymer materials. |
| Baseball Milestones | • First female to throw a baseball with a prosthetic arm in an MLB event (2018 Home Run Derby). • Recognized by MLB and the American Diabetes Association for community outreach. |
| Advocacy and Public Appearances | Engages in speaking engagements, media interviews, and fundraising campaigns to raise awareness of adaptive sports and emerging prosthetic technologies. |
| Awards and Honors | Received the Children’s Hospital of Florida “Hope Award” (2019) and was featured in the “Youth Sports Hall of Fame” (2021). |
Related Topics
- Prosthetic Limbs – The use of customized prosthetic devices to restore or augment physical function.
- 3‑Dimensional Printing in Medicine – Application of additive manufacturing for creating patient‑specific medical devices.
- Adaptive Sports – Organized sports programs designed for individuals with disabilities.
- Major League Baseball (MLB) Home Run Derby – Annual event showcasing baseball’s top sluggers; Dawson’s participation highlighted inclusivity initiatives.
- Youth Baseball in the United States – Structured leagues and programs that develop amateur baseball talent.
All information presented reflects documented public records and reputable reports as of the knowledge cutoff date (June 2024).