A woman in Major League Baseball? It’s now officially possible. And the female who could have the opportunity to play at the top level of the sport known as America’s pastime isn’t even an American.
Melissa Mayeux, a 16-year-old shortstop who plays for the French under-18 junior national team, has been added to the MLB international registration list, according to MLB.com. She’s the first known female baseball player to register for the league’s international signing period, according to MLB’s communications department.
It’s unlikely that Mayeux will be signed, but it’s still a historic moment. An MLB team could sign her starting July 2.
Mayeux, who speaks little English, said she grew up with a group of boys playing baseball.
“I’ve never had a problem with integration because we’ve known each other for such a long time,” Mayeux said. “We’re very well connected. That makes a good team. Never any problems.”
Mayeux is one of four players from the French team selected to participate in MLB’s European Elite Camp in August. According to MLB.com, 76 players have signed with MLB teams in the 10-year history of the camp. Two reached the majors.
Mayeux would like to continue playing baseball in France until she is 18, she told MLB.com, and then either start university or find another opportunity abroad. She wants to keep playing baseball as long as possible.
“I think there are plenty of girls behind me that want to take the same path as me, and I hope they have the same path as me, and I hope they make it,” Mayeux said.