16 year old French teen Melissa Mayeux did something Sunday that no other woman in history has done. She became the first known female added to Major League Baseball’s international registration list. This means that the shortstop from the French U-18 junior national team would be eligible to sign with a Major League club during the next international signing period, which is July 2.
Anyone can register for the list, but only those we are believed to have a shot at being signed make the cut. So the fact that Mayeux simply made the list speaks volumes about her potential.
She’s a legitimate shortstop who makes all the plays and is very smooth and fluid in the field. She swings the bat really well and is fearless. -MLB Director of International Game Development Mike McClellan
The young teen isn’t focused on making history however, she’s just enjoying the game.
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 Mayeux
As if playing baseball wasn’t enough, she is also a member of France’s senior national softball team. This means she can switch between facing overhand baseball pitchers and underhand fast pitch softball pitchers with no problem. This girls got moxie!
She will attend MLB’s European Elite Camp this summer and will travel to Germany for a pitching and hitting camp. There she will work with two time All Star Steve Finley.
While it’s unlikely that she will be signed next month, Mayeux’s inclusion on the list is a step in the right direction. We’re getting closer to MLB’s first female player becoming a reality. Bonne courage, Melissa.
