Rams’ Gary a Two-Sport Man? : Braves Reportedly Make Offer to L.A. Draft Choice
This isn’t Bo Jackson, but Cleveland Gary, the Rams’ first-round draft pick, is at least considering a minor league contract offered by the Atlanta Braves that would allow him to play baseball and football.
According to Gary’s hometown newspaper, the Stuart News of Florida, the Braves have offered Gary “less than $50,000” to report to the team’s minor league facility in Bradenton, Fla., where he would hone his baseball skills before reporting to football training camp in July.
Rod Gilbreath, assistant scouting director for the Braves, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying, “He came to us and wanted to try two sports. We were willing to discuss it with him. We looked at him. Now we’ll just see if we can come to terms.”
However, Willie E. Gary, who is Cleveland’s uncle and agent, told the newspaper that his nephew will not sign with the Braves.
“I don’t intend to let him sign it,” Willie Gary was quoted as saying. “He should not risk injury before football training camp.”
Gary, the 26th overall pick in the recent National Football League draft, figures to become a millionaire after signing with the Rams. Receiver Andre Rison, taken four spots ahead of Gary by Indianapolis, recently signed a five-year, $3-million deal with the Colts.
Gary was a star fullback at the University of Miami after transferring from Georgia in 1985, but he was only a reserve outfielder on Miami’s baseball team. He called the Rams on Thursday to assure the team that his interest in baseball is exploratory and secondary.
“It’s a non-story,” Coach John Robinson said. “He called today and said if it was anything serious, he would have called. He said it wasn’t an issue, only that he might want to play some baseball in the summer.”
Robinson said that Gary would be coming to Anaheim in 10 days and would attend mini-camp.
Gary had a tryout with the Braves three weeks ago in West Palm Beach, Fla. But he isn’t exactly a hot prospect.
Jim Pocopio, general manager of the Braves’ minor league camp, told the Florida newspaper that Gary has “above-average speed and power, but is below average in throwing and fielding.”
Willie Gary added that his nephew’s long-term interest in baseball is sincere.
“We’re not attempting to stall negotiations or scare the Rams into a fast, quick, signing bonus,” the agent said. “It’s just a chance to prove himself. Football will be his bread and butter. He’ll be a millionaire soon.”
