Freshman makes history as first woman to play men's baseball at Monroe University
Yedlimar de Jesus,17, of Puerto Rico, had a scrimmage at Flowers Park in New Rochelle on Friday, ahead of the fall ball season.
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A freshman athlete is making history at New Rochelle's Monroe University.
Yedlimar de Jesus, 17, of Puerto Rico, had a scrimmage at Flowers Park in New Rochelle on Friday, ahead of the fall ball season.
"I'm probably going to be starting pitcher, or I'm going to be reliever or closer," de Jesus said.
The freshman plays for Monroe University's baseball team.
School officials said she's the first woman in the university's history to make the men's team.
"I'm very grateful for it because it's something that I can open doors for other women in baseball programs," de Jesus said.
De Jesus was recruited after head coach John Torres saw her play at a college baseball showcase.
"I just liked her character, I liked, obviously, her talent and just the way she carried herself amongst the guys," Torres said.
Torres said the appeal sent him straight to her parents to start the recruitment process.
"The most important thing from that conversation was that 'she does not want to play softball; she does not want to play softball. She's grown-up playing baseball, hardball,'" Torres said.
De Jesus said she's played the game since she was 5 years old.
"All my family members are athletes, so it was kind of a family member thing. My brother started playing baseball, so I just followed his path," de Jesus said.
Teammate Harlen Ferreiras said the men on his team are embracing her talent.
"It is crazy because I've seen it before, but not in person. I feel like it's going to be amazing because she's going to teach us a lot," Ferreiras said.
De Jesus is studying sports management right now but said she would easily consider playing in the major league.
"In a few years, if I do my thing and I keep getting better and studying, it would be something better for me and better for women's sports, too," de Jesus said.
Officials said the team's fall ball season starts soon.
To learn where you can watch her play, click here: https://www.monroeumustangs.com/sports/baseball
