A Japanese schoolgirl is attempting to become the first woman to ever play professional baseball in Japan.
Eri Yoshida, 16, was drafted by the Kobe 9 Cruise, a professional team in a new independent Japanese league that starts its first season in April.
"I always dreamed of becoming a professional," Yoshida said at a news conference Monday. "I have only just been picked by the team and haven't achieved anything yet."
Yoshida, a right-hander who is 5 feet and 114 pounds, throws a sidearm knuckleball.
Japanese Schoolgirl Drafted By Pro Team