Melissa Mayeux is a teenage girl from France that could technically get recruited to play major league baseball in the U.S.
The 16-year-old shortstop for the French U-18 junior national team made history by becoming the first female player to be added to MLB’s international registration list.
That’s how talented she is. Will it happen soon? Not likely. But a major step was made in recognizing her as a legitimate player. All international prospects who verify their birth date and citizenship can be added to the list, but usually, only players who have the potential to play in the majors are actually registered.
“I would like very much to continue playing baseball in France until I’m 18 years old,” Mayeux told MLB.com. “And then have the ability to leave for university or another opportunity abroad. I’d like to stay in baseball as long as possible.”
Mayeux has been playing with and against boys for her entire life, and says that she’s never had a problem with integration or respect.
“She’s a legitimate shortstop who makes all the plays and is very smooth and fluid in the field,” MLB Director of International Game Development Mike McClellan said. “She swings the bat really well and is fearless.”
The teen also represents France on the senior national softball team.
If Mayeux doesn’t sign with a professional baseball team, she will be eligible to play in college in the U.S.
