Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis, who's been getting lots of props for his work on the field, is trying to draw attention to a cause that has affected his family -- breast cancer.

He's on the celebrity judging panel of a contest to pick "honorary bat girls" (or boys) for each of the 30 Major League Baseball clubs, including the Orioles. Winners will be honored on Mother's Day (May 10) during on on-field ceremony and get free tickets to the game.

The contest, being sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Major League Baseball, invites testimonials from men and women 18 or older, who can write about how they've supported the fight against breast cancer. You can submit your story here; the deadline to enter is Friday, May 1.

Markakis spoke with me briefly about the battle his mother, Mary Lou, fought against the disease years ago, when he was about 18. He would help take her to treatments and sit with her, and it was hard to watch her go through the procedures. "I've probably never seen my mom like that," Markakis said.

"It's a lot of work, and I give a lot of respect to the people who go through it. The biggest thing is support."

Fortunately, he says, his mom is doing well now.

(Photo of Nick Markakis and his mother, Mary Lou, by Baltimore Sun photographer Ken Lam)