NSW catcher Guy Edmonds signs with the Texas Rangers.

New South Wales and Australian representative Guy Edmonds has agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. At just 16 years of age, Guy's talent has allowed him to sign a lucrative six figure deal. Guy will begin his professional career by reporting to extended spring training in April 2010 at the Rangers Spring training complex in Arizona.

There had been considerable interest in Guy for some time however serious interest developed in late December of 2009. During this period several organizations spoke with Guy's manager, Craig Stoves of Platinum Player Management expressing their interest in the exciting young prospect.

The most serious level of interest came from the Texas Rangers and it was this organization that ultimately secured the services of the gifted young catcher.

Jim Colborn who is in charge of Pacific Rim Operations for the Texas Rangers flew to Australia in late December to view Guy in action. After evaluating Guy and receiving positive feedback from his trusted colleague, Australian based Texas scout Barry Holland, the Rangers extended an offer and negotiations began.

Jim expressed his thoughts recently after signing Guy by saying "The Rangers are very excited to have a young boy of Guy's talent and character join our organization. We have been named Minor League Organization of the Year for two years running. It is because of players like Guy that we will have the chance to have the award in the future."

Guy started playing baseball at the age of 11. In this first year instead of playing in the under-12's he played in the under-14's age group as the younger aged team was already full. This may have been a blessing in disguise as Guy was able to play at a higher level from a young age.

During the summer Guy played baseball and in winter he played rugby league - following in the footsteps of his dad who had played representative rugby league with the Cronulla Sharks.

In 2006 Guy was selected to the Cronulla Sharks rugby league elite development squad and at almost the same time he was also selected to the NSW under-14 state team. It was at this time that Guy made a decision to focus all his energies into baseball and leave rugby league behind.

This proved to be a great decision as Guy was selected over the next two years in back to back NSW under-16 teams to compete in the Australian Baseball Championships.

In 2008 Guy formed a close friendship with former professional player and Australian representative Gary White while working part-time at Gary's Diamond One Baseball Store. Gary, a stellar catcher in his playing days, provided assistance in honing Guy's catching and hitting skills. Gary obviously was pleased to hear on the professional signing of his friend and shared his thoughts by saying "Guy certainly has some great tools of the game. With this next step in his career now just beginning, with plenty of hard work to come over the coming years, I believe if he puts his mind to it, he has the ability to go a long way."

Following the Australian Baseball Championships in January 2009 Guy was selected to the NSW High Performance Academy where he was under the guidance of former Major Leaguer Glen Williams. Glen who was pleased to hear of Guy's recent signing said "Guy is a very talented young ball player who has worked hard and made the most of the opportunities he has been given. He will need to continue to work hard if he is to achieve his ultimate dream of playing in the majors. I was pleased for Guy and his family when I heard of his signing. I wish him the very best and I look forward to following his career in the US."

In 2009 Guy was selected to the Major League Baseball Australian Academy Program where his solid and consistent performances were rewarded by receiving the Golden Glove award.

Another reward was selection to the Australian under-17 team which competed in Taiwan at the World Baseball Championships. During the World Championships Guy's achievements on a daily basis were outstanding - finishing high in the statistics in almost all offensive and defensive categories by tournaments end. The result of his polished performances led Guy to be named in the World All-Star team as the #1 ranked catcher in the world for his age group. Truly an outstanding achievement!

September 2009 saw the start of the Sydney Major League competition and Guy was selected to the Canterbury 1st Grade team at the tender age of 16 - this being his first year of senior baseball. Barry Holland, the Texas Rangers Australian based scout who advised Jim Colborn on the young catching prospect has been involved with Canterbury for many years and felt comfortable in placing Guy in his strong 1st grade line-up. Barry commented "I have been monitoring Guy for the last 2-3 years which allowed me to get to know him reasonably well - I was very comfortable with placing Guy into 1st Grade and further with my recommendation of Guy to Texas."

2010 saw Guy selected again in the NSW team - this time the NSW under-18 team. The Australian Baseball Championships were held in Geelong. While Guy was competing for NSW came under the watchful eye of many scouts from many MLB organizations. The NSW team went on to win the Australian Baseball Championships with solid performances daily. During this time the Texas Rangers commitment to signing Guy never wavered from December through January.

Early February saw negotiations finalised and Guy put pen to paper in signing a professional baseball contract with the Texas Rangers. Guy's manager Craig Stoves expressed his thoughts after the recent signing by saying "I am really pleased and excited to see Guy rewarded with the opportunity to play professional baseball. Guy has an abundance of raw talent and an amazing and unique energy when playing the game. Jim Colborn and Barry Holland have had success with Australians in professional baseball over the years and because of this I know Guy will be in good hands with the Texas Rangers."

Guy too is pleased and excited about his future in professional baseball and said recently. "Playing professional baseball is a dream that I have always had, and to be playing with an organisation like Texas is just amazing."

The young catcher understands a tough road lies ahead, however, Guy is robust, energetic and passionate as a player and this will hold him in good standing as he moves forward into an exciting part of his baseball career with the Texas Rangers.