Reynolds High pitching ace Sam Runion signed a contract for unspecified terms with the Kansas City Royals to play professional baseball last Friday.

Runion, a 6-foot-4 righthander, had been selected as the 66th overall pick of Major League Baseballís June 7 draft.

Sources said he received compensation approximate to his slot value ó the 66th pick last year received a signing bonus of $560,000.

In addition, the Royals reportedly agreed to supplement Runionís college education.

Starting this past Sunday, Runion was to play for the Royalsí rookie league team in Surprise, Ariz. Because of extreme heat in Surprise, about 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix, the team begins most of its games at 10:30 a.m.

Runion is expected to be used by the Royals as a starting pitcher. He was the teamís only second-round pick.