Amir Garrett Signs to Play Baseball With Cincinnati Reds, Will Still Play for St. John’s

For a time, it looked as though St. John’s signee Amir Garrett would have to choose whether his pursuit of a professional athletic career would take place on the hardwood or on the baseball diamond. But, with the stroke of a pen Monday night, the 6’6″ hard-throwing/high-flying lefty made it official that he would be a member of both the Cincinnati Reds organization and the St. John’s Red Storm.

The deal was signed just hours before the MLB deadline, worth a total of $1 million dollars, paid out over five years. It is in compliance with NCAA rules, allowing him to begin and continue his collegiate basketball career, with a clause that hands the expenses of Garrett’s schooling over to the Reds. Despite that, Garrett will still count toward St. John’s limit of 13 scholarship players.

“I consider this a great opportunity, because not everyone gets to play two sports they love,” said Garrett in a press release. “I am excited to play in the Reds’ organization, but definitely excited to play at St. John’s. I’ll be able to handle business on campus during the school year, and then for Cincinnati.”

Garrett was chosen by the Reds in the 22nd Round of the MLB Draft in June, based mostly on potential. Though he had not played in a live game in nearly a year, scouts took a liking to his fastball, which reportedly topped out at 96-miles-per-hour. With the general scarcity of left-handers who can hit those kinds of numbers on the radar gun, the Reds have placed a $1 million bet that there is much more packed in that long left arm.

On the court, Garrett has become somewhat of an internet sensation with his impressive highlight-reel dunks and online mixtapes. Starring at Findlay Prep (NV), the 6’6″ swingman is ranked 96th in the final ESPN rankings for the Class of 2011, the 22nd best player at his position. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.7 rebounds for Findlay last season on a team that produced four Division I prospects. Garrett will face off against one of those four, Nick Johnson, when St. John’s takes on Arizona in the 2K Sports Classic in November.

“We have encouraged Amir to continue working to develop into the best basketball and baseball player he is capable of becoming,” said St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin. “His talent, competitive nature and determination has allowed him to have the opportunity to pursue his goals of competing at the highest level of two sports.”