Cypress Players Sign Contracts in Pro Baseball

Troy Babbitt and Carlos Castillo of Cypress College signed professional baseball contracts Friday, Coach Scott Pickler said.

Babbitt, who had the game-winning home run for Cypress in the state title game, signed with the Royals. Castillo, a sophomore right-hander, signed with the Dodgers. Both were late-round selections.

Babbitt, a third baseman from Western High School, reports Monday to the Royals’ Class A team in Eugene, Ore. Babbitt, a two-time all Orange Empire Conference selection at Cypress, hit .373 with a school single-season record 27 doubles. He had seven home runs including two in the final game as Cypress beat Sacramento City, 8-7, in 11 innings for its first state title.

Babbitt won’t attend Cal State Fullerton, where he had made an oral commitment.

Castillo leaves today for Vero Beach to report to the Dodgers’ minor league camp. He will be assigned from there.

Castillo, from Loara High School, will join Cypress teammate Robert Legendre, who also signed with the Dodgers. Castillo was 8-2 in 20 games with a 3.91 earned-run average. By signing, he will pass on a scholarship offer from Chapman.

Besides Babbitt, Castillo and Legendre, Cypress first baseman Doug McConathy signed with the Baltimore Orioles last week.

Brian Roberts, a former Loara High School outfielder who played at the University of Illinois this season, was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 21st round his father, Gary, said.

Roberts, a senior, batted .335 with eight home runs and 30 runs batted in for the Illini.