Meet the Teenage Girl Who Could Play Major League Baseball
The next great teen phenom in baseball may be unlike any phenom you've ever seen in the sport.
Melissa Mayeux is a 16-year-old shortstop from France who plays on that country's U-18 junior national team. Her name has been added to Major League Baseball's international registration. Translation: major league teams can sign her, beginning July 2.
Melissa wants to take a swing at a career on the diamond:
I would like very much to continue playing baseball in France until I'm 18 years old and then have the ability to leave for university or another opportunity abroad. I'd like to stay in baseball as long as possible."
Melissa doesn't exactly think of herself as a trailblazer, either. She said, "I grew up with the same boys, so we've known each other since I was very little. I've never had a problem with integration or respect. We're very well connected, and that makes a good team."
Melissa will take part in the MLB European Elite Camp in August, one of four players from the French team to wrangle an invite. The odds are stacked against her, though. The camp has been in existence for a decade and only two players have made it to the majors.
If Melissa doesn't sign with a team, she could play in college in America or even make France's squad for the World Baseball Classic in 2017.