Art by Austin Scott

Francys Sandoval, just 13 years old, is understandably shy in an on-camera Zoom interview to talk about her baseball career. She sits beside her dad, Francisco -- a former Expos Minor League pitcher -- with her hat pulled down, nearly covering her eyes. She smiles when asked about what it's like to strike out a boy who thought he couldn't be struck out by a girl. She never really even brings up her dominant performances on the international level, wowing crowds with her electric 70-75 mph fastball.

But there is one thing she's sure about. One question she doesn't hesitate to answer. Her ultimate goal in a sport that's never had someone like her at its highest level.

"Las Grandes Ligas," Francys says, brightening up on the screen.

The big leagues.

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