The heart of a trailblazer

Warwick Valley Middle School seventh grader Avery Eschmann is helping to blaze a trail for girls in baseball, and her dedication and talent have earned her a coveted spot in the 2025 MLB Trailblazer Series in Vero Beach, Fla., this spring.

This highly selective event, organized by Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, is designed to showcase and develop the skills of female baseball players, coinciding with the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day – baseball’s quintessential trailblazer.

It’s a major milestone for Avery, whose excitement and passion for baseball is already evident in her involvement with her Monroe-based travel team, the OC Smash. For someone whose love for baseball began as a baby (literally), to say Avery is excited for the Florida clinics would be an understatement.

Daughter, like Dad

“Baseball has always been a part of my life, like before I could even walk,” she said. “I grew up watching Yankees games and practicing with my dad.”

Their shared love for the sport runs deep. Avery beams when she talks about her dad’s legacy playing Warwick Valley Wildcats baseball.

“My dad played modified, skipped JV and went straight to varsity,” Avery said. “He was a captain and an MVP of the varsity team.”

Avery and her dad train together almost every night in the batting cage the Eschmann’s built in their basement, a setup Avery admits has seen its fair share of wear and tear.

“There are definitely a few holes in the wall,” she laughed. “But my dad’s always there, even when he’s tired, helping me improve every day.”

The path

Avery’s path to the Trailblazer Series wasn’t easy. As part of the selection process, she submitted a skills video showcasing her hitting, catching and pitching abilities, and actively posted her highlights on social media. After weeks of anticipation, she received a notification that she’d been accepted.

“I was on the bus when my mom texted me that I got in,” Avery said. “I was so excited. I told all my friends ... basically everyone I knew.”

Avery’s impressive submissions earned her a spot among an elite group of players selected for the weekend from across the country.

During the three-day event, athletes will train with coaches from the USA Baseball Women’s National Team and current MLB staff.

This is also an opportunity for her to be noticed by scouts and potentially advance her dreams of pursuing a career in baseball.

Avery takes her mission seriously. As one of only two girls on her travel team, she is already setting an example for others.

“There’s another girl on my team who’s younger than I am,” she said. “It’s great that she can see what’s possible for girls in baseball, beyond just travel teams.”

’A League of Their Own’

Avery’s long-term goal is to continue help paving the way for girls in professional baseball. She draws inspiration from the 1992 film “A League of Their Own,” based on the true story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. More than 600 women played in the baseball league, which was established in 1943.

Avery is hopeful for the chance to meet some of her heroes portrayed in the film, Maybelle Blair and Jeneane Lesko, AAGPBL alumni who attended a panel during last year’s Trailblazer event.

With tryouts for modified baseball approaching, along with weekend tournaments and nightly practices at home, Avery’s plate is full, but her focus remains sharp. She possesses the passion, work ethic and heart of a trailblazer.

“Baseball is what I love most,” she said. “And I’m going to keep playing as long as I can.”