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Former Wayne State University pitcher Anthony Bass officially signed his first professional contract with the San Diego Padres during a special presentation in the Hall of Fame area at the Matthaei Athletic Complex. "I've been off for way too long, so I'm ready to start pitching again," Bass said. "It's been like three weeks and I'm just ready to get on the mound again."
Bass, who was drafted in the fifth round (165th pick), will report to the Padres' spring training facility in Peoria, Arizona, sometime next week, then will likely head to Oregon to join the Class A Emeralds of the Northwest League.
"They told me that they are probably going to baby my arm because I threw so many innings this year. They will probably have me on a pitch count of 80 pitches a game, around there."
An ecstatic Jay Alexander was on hand, and spoke of the legacy Bass will leave behind.
"It's gratifying to say that hard work does pay off if you have some talent, and finally we can see that," Alexander said. "It's very good for our program, for our history of baseball and where we are trying to go."
Bass' parents, Ed and Linda, were also in attendance to congratulate their son, who was the highest major league draft pick in WSU history.
"We're very proud," Ed Bass said after the ceremony. "Anthony has done a great job setting reasonable goals and accomplishing those goals."
