Thursday, June 10, 1999

Victorino signs
with Dodgers

The Maui multi-sport star
passes up a chance to play
football and baseball at UH

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Shane Victorino has turned down the chance to be a two-sport Rainbow Warrior and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Victorino said he signed his contract at 10 p.m. Tuesday in the presence of Dodgers scout Hank Jones. He is due to report to a rookie league in Montana.

He had already signed a letter of intent to accept a baseball scholarship with Hawaii when he was drafted 194th overall in the sixth round on June 2.

Hours after he was picked, Victorino received a football scholarship offer from Hawaii coach June Jones. Jones told Victorino he would be able to play both sports if he accepted.

That opportunity tempted the state record-breaking sprinter/ outfielder from St. Anthony High School on Maui.

Victorino kicked and played slotback for St. Anthony for four seasons.

"It was my dream after I got to high school, but I knew that even though I had the speed, I didn't have the size," said the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder. "I have to think on it. But right now, baseball is more important because I know I can play that professionally. There's only a slight, slight chance that I could ever play pro football."

Victorino becomes the second player with Hawaii ties drafted in the sixth round to sign.

Rainbows left-handed pitcher Dusty Bergman, drafted three picks ahead of Victorino, signed last weekend with Anaheim.

Meanwhile, the state's top draft pick, Waipahu right-hander Jerome Williams, is still in negotiations with the San Francisco Giants. The Giants drafted him 39th overall, in the supplemental round between the first and second rounds.

He is the highest drafted Hawaii-born player ever.

Williams' mother, Deborah Williams, who is serving as family spokesperson, said the San Francisco negotiator, scout Darren Wittke, was returning home to California today without a contract. She said she does not know when he will return to resume talks.

Williams and Victorino are being advised by agent Dave Roberts.