BRINGING FRENCH TALENT TO THE FRONTIER LEAGUE
We'd like you to meet Thibault Mercadier and Léo Jiminian, from France, who could be coming to a ballpark near you this season. Mercadier and Jiminian were both at the tryout the Québec de Capitales and Trois-Rivières Aigles Managers attended in Rouen, France, seeking out new talent across the world.
Now, as Mercadier joins the Capitales, his blend of skill promises a dynamic impact both on and off the field. Meanwhile, Jiminian brings his talent and determination to the Aigles, marking a new chapter in French baseball history.
Born in Mont Saint Aignan, France, Mercadier's journey began in 2011 when his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, sparking his passion for baseball. Returning to France three years later, the right-handed pitcher joined the Rouen Huskies, a French Division I team, where he sharpened his skills and embraced the game's significance in his life.
The 21-year-old was invited to Québec City for the Capitales training camp, beginning Saturday, April 27. Manager Patrick Scalabrini of the Capitales sought interest in Mercadier expressing, "He's a youngster with very intriguing potential, his ceiling is very high. He has a good base and an excellent change of pace."
From the Division II team to the prestigious Division I squad, he showcased his talent and commitment, achieving a memorable victory at the 2019 Challenge de France in Montpellier. His international endeavors included representing France in the Baseball European Champion Cup tournament in Bologna, Italy, at the age of 16, where his contributions helped secure a commendable fifth-place finish. Additionally, Mercadier previously played for the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars, a school in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
As he embarks on his newest chapter with the Capitales, Mercadier brings more than just athleticism to the field. He embodies the values of dedication, resilience and cultural exchange that define his journey. With a calm demeanor in tense situations and a bilingual background, Mercadier is poised to make a lasting impact both on and off the field for the Capitales and the vibrant baseball community of Québec.
Just southwest of the Capitales, the Aigles have boosted their lineup with the addition of Léo Jiminian. Born in Saint-Lô, France, Jiminian emerged full of talent and determination. Following in the footsteps of his father, Carlos Jiminian, a former member of the French national team, Léo Jiminian's path was destined to professional baseball.
His skill on the field became evident early on, as he represented France in the 2016 European Junior Championship, showcasing his remarkable hitting ability and defensive knowledge. Jiminian's transition to the French Division I league saw him excel with notable performances for clubs like Toulouse Stade Toulousain Baseball and Sénart Templiers. Jiminian also represented France in the 2022 World Baseball Classic Qualifier Tournament, where his manager was current Texas Rangers' manager Bruce Boche.
A notable moment in Jiminian's career came with his signing with East Tennessee State University, making him the first French baseball player trained by the French Federation of Baseball and Softball to play NCAA Division I baseball. His collegiate journey further solidified his status as a serious professional, with recognition awards such as All-Western Junior College Athletic Conference honors when he played for Clarendon College in Texas.
Now, as he takes his talents to the Aigles, Jiminian embodies the spirit of international collaboration and excellence. With his blend of skill, experience, and a relentless work ethic, he is poised to make a significant impact on the Aigles' quest for success in the upcoming season and beyond. Jiminian's arrival embarks a new chapter in French baseball history, one marked by ambition, talent, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
