Former Cochise College shortstop Max Lefevre has joined up with team France to compete this weekend in the World Baseball Classic. Qualifying rounds began Wednesday, and France’s first game is today, Sept. 20, against Spain in Jupiter, Fla.
According to a Baseball America blog post, France’s strength should be its starting infield, where Lefevre joins first baseman Rene Leveret, former Twin, Emmanuel Garcia, former Met, and third baseman Carlos Hereaud, former Brewer.
In France, Lefevre has played with the French National Team since 2004 and was named the best defensive player in Europe in 2009 and ’10.
“Max is one of the more physically talented baseball players we have had here,” said Cochise head coach Todd Inglehart after Lefevre signed with Arkansas-Little Rock last year.
France is making its first appearance in the World Baseball Classic, with Jim Stoeckel as its manager and Eric Gagne, former Dodgers closer, as its pitching coach, according to the Classic’s website.