Teenager Xu Guiyan becomes first Chinese player to sign for Major League Baseball team
Player will finish high school before joining spring training camp after being watched since he was 13
The hardest part of Xu Guiyan’s decision to sign a contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization was keeping the groundbreaking deal a secret.
The 19-year-old Xu this week became the first player from one of the MLB’s three development centers in China to sign with a major league club, opening a pathway both for Chinese players and North American teams.
“Before the signing ceremony, I haven’t said anything to my teammates and friends, I just reported this good news to my parents and my coaches,” Xu said. “When my teammates heard, many of them sent their congratulations and they are really happy for me. I hope they can also work hard so that I can see them in the field of competition.”
The outfielder-first baseman will stay with his team in China for now, apart from a trip to Baltimore’s spring training facility in Sarasota, Florida, to be introduced to the Orioles. The plan is, he’ll finish high school in China before reporting to the Orioles spring training camp next February, where he’ll be assigned to one of the club’s minor league affiliates.
It’s the first step in what he hopes will be a trail-blazing career.