Dishington, a Catcher From Hoover High, OKs Deal With Cardinals Worth $260,000

Nate Dishington, the first area player selected in last month’s amateur draft, said Friday that he has reached an agreement to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals for a package worth $260,000.

Dishington, a catcher-first baseman from Hoover High, said he expects to sign within the next few days and leave for rookie-league Johnson City, Tenn., on Monday.

Dishington said he decided Friday morning he wanted to sign. His agent, Arn Tellem, worked out a deal with the Cardinals within a matter of hours, Dishington said.

“I didn’t want to drag it out,” Dishington said. “As long as I got what was fair, it was fine with me. I’m real comfortable with it.”

Dishington was taken in the second round, with the 44th overall pick.

He soared on scouts’ lists toward the end of his senior year by finishing the season with a 19-for-28 stretch that included six home runs and 25 runs batted in.

A Times All-Valley selection, Dishington batted .529 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs.

Scouts also liked Dishington because of his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame and rocket arm. His arm earned him attention as a quarterback. By signing, he passes up a football scholarship to Fresno State.

His package is worth about $20,000 more than the one signed by Crespi’s Jeff Suppan, who was drafted by the Red Sox five picks after Dishington.

The area’s two other second-round picks, Newbury Park shortstop David Lamb (Orioles) and Montclair Prep infielder Brad Fullmer (Expos), are still unsigned.

Dishington, who likely will start his professional career as an outfielder, said he is looking forward to playing in Johnson City, but he is not familiar with it.

“I know it’s hot, it’s humid and they play at night,” he said.