French teenager becomes first woman ever added to MLB's international registration list

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published 22 June 2015

French teenager Melissa Mayeux, 16, took a monumental step toward becoming the first female player in the 150-year history of Major League Baseball by having her name added to MLB's international registration list on Sunday. Mayeux is eligible to be signed by a team beginning July 2. Although there is no official rule excluding women from playing in the majors, Mayeux is the first female ever to make the international registration list.

MLB.com reported that while it's unlikely Mayeux will be signed right away, only serious candidates make the international registry. MLB Director of International Game Development Mike McClellan, who has been following Mayeux's career, called her "a legitimate shortstop" who "swings the bat really well and is fearless."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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