Big League dream comes true for ICC's Reed
Adam Gore/LetsGoICC.com
PONTOTOC, MS – Surrounded by family and friends, former ICC baseball star Tyreque Reed began the next chapter of his already storied baseball career by signing a contract with the Texas Rangers at Austin's on Main in Pontotoc Thursday.
"It was very exciting," Reed said about signing his contract. "I never thought this day would come."
Reed, who was drafted as a first baseman, was selected as the 254th overall pick in the eighth round. He earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II All-American First Team honor while being a unanimous selected to the NJCAA All-Region 23 and Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) All-State teams after leading the nation with a .504 batting average.
The Houlka native finished his final season in Fulton ranked in the Top 10 in four other offensive categories including leading the nation in on-base percentage (.638), second in slugging (.943), eighth in walks (46) and tenth in home runs (15).
Despite forgoing his commitment to Mississippi State University, Reed is still grateful for the opportunity to continue his collegiate career with the Bulldogs next season along with the coaches that helped him improve his game throughout his career.
"I want to thank Coach [Andy] Cannizaro and Mississippi State for giving me the opportunity to play there," said Reed. "I really want to thank all my coaches up to now that helped me."
VIDEO: Hear more from Tyreque signing with the Rangers
It appears that Reed will report to the Rangers' rookie level Arizona League (AZL) team in Surprise, Arizona – located 20 miles northwest of Phoenix.
AZL play is scheduled to begin June 25 and will conclude in early September.
Reed will join friend and former teammate Delvin Zinn (Pontotoc) in the Copper State. Zinn was drafted in the 23rd round by the Cubs last year and will be starting his second season in Arizona. The two teams are scheduled to face off four times during the season, twice in July (3rd and 24th) and two more times in August (8th and 26th).
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