The New York Nine Scout Team’s Leury Tejada inked his professional contract with the Texas Rangers on June 10th at the home of high school coach Jason Norman, with family and friends in attendance.

Tejada established himself as a top prep pitcher in New York City at Walton High School. In 2017, Tejada posted a 0.00 era allowing a total of three runs, all unearned, for the entire season. With a projectable thin frame and quick arm that produces low 90’s fastballs he profiles to add velocity as he adds weight.

“The Rangers got a good one in Tejada”, said an anonymous National League Scout. “He has a quick, whippy arm that has more velocity in it, and it’s easy velo. It’s effortless”.

His high school coach Jason Norman added, “Leury Tejada came to the United States in 10th grade as a wide-eyed talent who wanted to hit and play shortstop – and left school as a precocious starting pitcher and a Top 10 draft pick of the Texas Rangers. Talent alone does not tell that story. What makes Leury special is his tremendous confidence and desire to win, the athleticism he brought to the mound that was honed at shortstop and centerfield, and his ability to absorb and implement instruction. Every player who wants to get the most of their ability should take note. Leury was an absolute pleasure to coach and I have the utmost confidence that he will be a successful professional baseball player.”

The 10th round selection by the Rangers made Tejada the first high school player taken from New York City in this year’s draft. We wish Leury well and know that he will work hard and represent his family, coaches and the New York Nine in a professional manner.