Iolani graduate Kila Ka'aihue took his first step toward a professional baseball career by signing a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals yesterday. [BASEBALL]
Ka‘aihue becomes
a Royal farmhandStar-Bulletin staff
Ka'aihue was picked by the Royals in the 15th round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft on June 4 and signed with the organization after he and his parents met with team officials in Kansas City, Mo.
Ka'aihue flew directly from Kansas City to Orlando, Fla., last night and will report to the Royals' Rookie League team in the Gulf Coast League. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
"We're extremely happy. Kila is a first-class individual, a great kid and he's going to be a good ballplayer," Royals scout Eric Tokunaga said.
Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Tokunaga said Ka'aihue will receive significantly more than what is typically offered a 15th round draft pick.
Ka'aihue, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound first baseman, was a first team All-State selection his junior and senior seasons at Iolani. He also started at quarterback for the Raider football team. He had signed a letter of intent with Nebraska.
Ka'aihue joins two other local products in the Kansas City farm system. Chad Santos (St. Louis, 1999) is an infielder with the Class A Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League. Jason Ka'anoi (Kamehameha, 2000) is a pitcher with the Burlington Bees of the Midwest League, another of the Royals' three Class A affiliates.
Ka'aihue is the 21st of the Royals' 50 draft picks to agree to terms. Kainoa Obrey, another Iolani graduate and Kansas City selection, indicated he will return to Brigham Young for his senior season.