June 19, 2009 in Sports

Rogers grad opts to go pro

Partridge signs contract with Tampa Bay Rays

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Jake Partridge inked a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays this week.
(Full-size photo)

Jake Partridge, selected in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball draft and previously a signee with Gonzaga University, has opted to turn pro.

The Rogers High multisport standout signed his contract this week with the Tampa Bay Rays and reports Thursday to their Gulf Coast League rookie team.

“They signed me as a pitcher,” the tall left-hander said, “but they told me to bring my bat.”

Partridge led the Greater Spokane League in hitting this year with a .609 batting average, but also fanned 82 batters in 34 innings, including a 19-strikeout game in the spring.

Partridge sought advice when choosing the pro game over NCAA tourney qualifier GU.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to. I talked to (Trevor Shull, a Central Valley graduate in the Rays’ organization) and he really liked it a lot.”

Although drafted relatively late last week, Partridge said that he and his parents felt comfortable with the financial offer.

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