Chaparral player takes first step toward the majors

Spencer Patterson

Monday, June 8, 1998 | 9:13 a.m.

Chaparral's Russell Cleveland won't have long to celebrate his high school graduation tonight.

Because after signing to play for the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, the 6-3, 210-pound catcher has a 7 a.m. flight to catch -- for a trip that will take him his new club's spring training site in Lakeland, Fla.

There, Cleveland will join the rest of the Tigers' high school draft picks for a 70-game Rookie League season that begins next week.

"My biggest goal has always been to be a major league ballplayer, and this is the first step," said Cleveland, Detroit's 12th round selection in last week's amateur draft.

Cleveland declined to discuss his specific signing bonus, but said he was "very happy with all the numbers" involved. He also said that the deal included provisions for a four-year, full scholarship to the school of his choice and for a paid reservation to an upcoming instructional league.

"I have no complaints at all," Cleveland said.

This past spring, Cleveland batted .521 with nine home runs and 43 RBI for a Cowboys squad which qualifies for the Southern Zone playoffs.