CHICAGO (AP) - Courtney Hawkins' back-flipping days appear to be over. His professional baseball career is just beginning.
The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms on Monday with the 18-year-old outfielder, 13th overall pick in this year's draft.
"It's a lifelong dream," Hawkins said in a news conference at U.S. Cellular Field. "I always wanted to play professional baseball and I got the opportunity and everything was right. I'm glad to sign."
Hawkins drew a lot of attention at the televised draft on June 4 when he did a backflip during an interview after he was selected.
"I was surprised about how much publicity it got, and the reaction some people got," Hawkins said, laughing as he looked at general manager Ken Williams. "The chants started coming through, and I just had to do it."
Williams said there wasn't a "no backflips" clause in Hawkins' contract, but it's unlikely that he'll be doing them in a White Sox uniform.
"There has been a discussion. A couple of discussions," Williams joked. "I followed it up with his mom and dad."
Hawkins participated in a popular parody video of Carly Rae Jepsen's hit "Call Me Maybe" with several other top picks.
Hawkins, from Corpus Christi, Texas, hit .437 with 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, 17 stolen bases and 56 runs in 36 games for Carroll H.S. He was the ESPNHS Gatorade Texas Baseball Player of the Year, and was rated second by Baseball America among high school power hitters.
Hawkins put on a No. 12 jersey after signing the contract, then participated in on-field drills and batting practice with the White Sox.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-handed hitter will report to Bristol in the advanced Rookie League.
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Friday, May 17 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:56:16 GMT
Jeff Keppinger walked with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run - his first base on balls in 141 plate appearances this season - and the Chicago White Sox rallied with three runs in the eighth.
Jeff Keppinger walked with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run - his first base on balls in 141 plate appearances this season - and the Chicago White Sox rallied with three runs in the eighth.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:51:57 GMT
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 11:09 PM EDT2013-05-15 03:09:36 GMT
Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered to back another strong start from Jake Peavy and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered to back another strong start from Jake Peavy and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Monday, May 13 2013 11:32 PM EDT2013-05-14 03:32:18 GMT
Rookie Aaron Hicks hit two home runs and made a leaping catch in center field to take a home run away from Adam Dunn in the Minnesota Twins' 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Rookie Aaron Hicks hit two home runs and made a leaping catch in center field to take a home run away from Adam Dunn in the Minnesota Twins' 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Sunday, May 12 2013 11:23 PM EDT2013-05-13 03:23:10 GMT
Chris Sale pitched a one-hitter after being perfect into the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Chris Sale pitched a one-hitter after being perfect into the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:36:23 GMT
Mike Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night.
Mike Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-09 02:32:38 GMT
Jake Peavy pitched three-hit ball in his return from a balky back, Alejandro De Aza had a leadoff homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the New York Mets 6-3
Jake Peavy pitched three-hit ball in his return from a balky back, Alejandro De Aza had a leadoff homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the New York Mets 6-3
Tuesday, May 7 2013 10:51 PM EDT2013-05-08 02:51:13 GMT
Matt Harvey pitched one-hit ball for nine innings in a nearly perfect performance and the New York Mets permitted just one baserunner all game in beating the Chicago White Sox 1-0 in the 10th Tuesday
Matt Harvey pitched one-hit ball for nine innings in a nearly perfect performance and the New York Mets permitted just one baserunner all game in beating the Chicago White Sox 1-0 in the 10th Tuesday
