Former Ranger Catcher Peter Whatley Signs Pro Contract with the Seattle Mariners

Peoria, Ariz.: Former Ranger baseball player Peter Whatley recently signed a pro contract with the Seattle Mariners organization.  Whatley, who earned All-RMAC Second Team during the spring was signed on July 30th.  He was sent to Peoria, Ariz. to start working out with the Peoria Mariners of the Rookie Arizona League.  He will be an integral part of developing the young arms of future Mariner big leaguers.

One of the top back stops in the RMAC, Whatley hit .353 for the Rangers this past spring with 15 doubles, tied for second on the team.  The Westminster, Colo. native was a three-year starter for the Rangers and in 2008 helped the Rangers to the best batting average in NCAA Division II.

Ranger skipper Dan McDermott said, "This is a tribute to Peter's persistence and work ethic; he spent the summer lifting and hitting so when an opportunity like this came along he would be ready."

Whatley has yet to see any time behind the plate or at bat, but he will be available tonight as the Mariners take on the Padres rookie team.  To follow Peter's path and for more information on the Peoria Mariners visit http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t409.