Mayberry Jr. to play for Indians

John Mayberry Jr., the son of former major leaguer John Mayberry and Texas’ first-round pick in last week’s amateur draft, signed with the Rangers on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old junior from Stanford will begin his professional career with Spokane of the short-season Class A Northwest League, moving from first base to the outfield.

After passing a physical and signing a $1.525 million contract, the younger Mayberry took batting practice with the Rangers before a late-afternoon news conference.

Mayberry got a taste of the major leagues when he was a kid, hanging out in the clubhouse while his father was a coach with the Kansas City Royals, one of the teams he played with in his 15-year career.

“This is definitely a dream come true,” the younger Mayberry said. “Being a professional baseball player is something I’ve dreamed of since I was probably 2 or 3. Growing up in the clubhouse, you see how baseball players do things, their lifestyle. To actually become a part of this is something spectacular.”

The 6-foot-5 Mayberry hit .312 with 28 homers at Stanford.

“He was a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman at Stanford, but with his athleticism, we are going to put John in right field and maybe play him some in left,” Rangers general manager John Hart said.

Spokane, which began its minicamp on Monday, opens its season Tuesday in Eugene.