The season is over, and as every year, some iconic players in French baseball are hanging up their gloves. Maxime Lefevre is one of them. He reached the top level very early on and tasted victory with his Rouen club. Baseball TV France met up with him to review his career.
BTVF: Who are you, Maxime Lefevre?
M.L: A young baseball retiree, I’ll be 33 at the start of next year. I’ve decided to end my career after nearly 27 years of baseball! I’ve been lucky enough to experience so many incredible moments thanks to this amazing sport! I consider myself fortunate because all these adventures have shaped the person I am today.
BTVF: You’ve just announced your retirement. Between your early days, the pole, Cochise, Quebec, Rouen, is there one memory, one sequence, one season that stands out?
M.L: Actually, it’s bigger than just one moment or one season. It’s been an extraordinary adventure. I’ve savored every year, from the tough times to the successful ones. Arriving in Rouen at 13 for sports studies, then heading to the US after high school, and finally playing pro in Quebec in front of thousands of people! That’s where I met my wife. It’s all these moments that I’ll keep with me forever.
On the sporting side, Quebec was an incredible experience. I took a huge step there—dedication, hard work, humility—that’s what Quebec taught me.
Then all those years with Rouen, the French national team, which were filled with success.
BTVF: Looking back on your entire career, some decisions were decisive, and others might leave you with a few regrets. What would you do again, and what would you erase?
M.L: Several decisions were decisive. Leaving for the Rouen pole—that decision, thanks to my brother (Greg Fages)—was the start of everything that followed. Going to the US, that was a life-changing decision because all these adventures opened doors for me both on the sporting and personal levels.
Honestly, I have no regrets because I wouldn’t be where I am today. However, I would have loved to live those two years in NCAA Division I in Arkansas that I was supposed to do. That would have been something! But a mistake with my transfer prevented that, and it was beyond my control. So, I went straight to Quebec.
BTVF: Your club career is filled with victories. An athlete thrives on these victories. What do they mean to you today?
M.L: For me, I’ve always played to win, so at the time, they represented the reward for all the sacrifices. Looking back, winning is a mindset. Only sport can teach you that. And what you don’t realize when you’re young is that these victories shape your character and help you in life off the field.
BTVF: Your international career is packed with selections in various competitions, with fewer victories but certainly a lot of pride in wearing the France jersey. How did you experience these moments with the French team?
M.L: Pride—that’s the word! Representing your country in various international competitions, that’s a bit the ultimate goal of a high-level athlete. I spent 6 years in the French youth team and 10 years in the French senior team, so we were a lucky generation to experience all that. The University Olympics, the WBCQ, European championships—honestly, these are suspended moments where, for a few weeks, we live baseball, eat baseball, and sleep baseball! We create bonds with guys who become our buddies, with whom we go to war every day to try to put France on the baseball map.
BTVF: Now you’ll have the perspective to assess the generations following you. How do you see the progress of the French level in baseball?
M.L: I’ll take more time to reflect, and I’ll certainly have a different opinion than today. For now, I’m somewhat mixed. I think we have great potential, especially in pitching, but I feel like we lack character, like we don’t have the warriors we’ve had before. After all, mentalities are evolving. Young players are free spirits these days and approach things differently. The U23 team this year achieved a fantastic result, so I think that’s very encouraging! Now, when you’re 23, you only have baseball. If they can stay focused, humble, and continue making sacrifices as they get older, then maybe we’ll have a great French senior team in a few years.
BTVF: Hanging up your glove is first and foremost looking ahead. What are your plans?
M.L: A project involving diapers and bibs (laughs)! We’re expecting our first child with my partner, so the most beautiful project ahead. Professionally, I’ve recently taken on responsibilities, so I’ll continue to establish myself! And who knows, maybe a new challenge in baseball in a few years.
BTVF: What can we wish you?
M.L: Lots of sleep because in a few weeks, it’ll be just as demanding as on the field. Joking aside, health!
I take this opportunity to thank all the people I’ve met on baseball fields, the friendships created, my club the Rouen Huskies, and the Montigny Cougars, which hold a special place in my heart, for all these adventures and memories that will stay with me forever! Finally, thank you to my brother, who has been there since day one and without whom none of this would have been possible.
Photo Credits: Glenn Gervot
