Sikeston's DeWitt signs with Dodgers during ceremony at school

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston High School All-American Blake DeWitt officially became a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization on Friday afternoon, when he signed a contract with the storied franchise.

DeWitt, who was drafted by the Dodgers with the 28th pick in the first round, received a signing bonus of $1.2 million and he will receive the base minor league salary set by Major League Baseball.

Also involved in the standard six-year agreement is a college scholarship plan, designed to pay for DeWitt's higher education.

"It feels good," said DeWitt. "I was so ready to get this over with -- the whole contract thing -- and get it out of the way. I'm ready to get out there and play and show people what I've got."

The signing, originally planned to take place at the DeWitt residence, had to be moved to the Sikeston High School cafeteria to accommodate the large numbers of friends and family.

A stage was setup for DeWitt's family and coaches and Mitch Webster, the Midwest area scout for the Dodgers.

"This community is outstanding," Webster said. "They showed me that especially in the state tournament when they got beat the first day and it was just still a very good, clean crowd. I don't see this kind of support too often at all. This is a just a neat setup."

Webster, who also scouted and signed Seneca (Mo.) High School pitcher Scott Elbert with the 17th pick, got a little emotional during Monday's draft when the Dodgers plucked DeWitt at No. 28.

"You can't believe how nervous I was about losing Blake," Webster said.

"He can hit," said Webster. "He can flat hit, but he's going to be a good third baseman, I think. You never know, he may go back to short or end up at second. But overall, his bat is the carrying tool for him. He really surprised me a little bit with his power. I didn't know he had that kind of power right now. He's going to have average power in the big leagues I think, which rolls him out as an everyday third baseman."

After the ceremony, DeWitt posed for photos with his fans and friends that had supported him through the years.

"I didn't really expect this, but it shows what this community is like," he said. "Everybody supports everybody. I'll always remember Sikeston. I'll always be back here."