Recent Kentwood High School graduate Reese McGuire signed a professional contract Tuesday with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Officially a Pittsburgh Pirate,” McGuire posted on his Twitter account. “Couldn’t be more excited & proud to be a part of this organization. Time to get to work.”
The Pirates chose McGuire, a catcher, with the 14th overall pick in the June 6 Major League Baseball draft. The 18-year-old received a signing bonus of $2.36 million, according to Baseball America. He attended graduation ceremonies Saturday at the ShoWare Center in Kent.
The Pirates held a news conference Tuesday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh to introduce McGuire to the media. He will report to the Gulf Coast League Pirates in Florida, a rookie-level team.
“We are thrilled that Reese has joined the Pirates family and we are excited for him to immediately begin his career within our organization,” Pirates director of scouting Joe DelliCarri said in a statement posted on MLB.com.
McGuire had received a college scholarship to play baseball at the University of San Diego, but decided to turn pro instead.
He was named the 2013 Gatorade Washington Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 McGuire batted .436 this season at Kentwood with four home runs and 20 RBIs. He throws right and bats left.
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