ROXIE — For 22-years Colby Beach dreamed of the chance to play professional baseball, Saturday afternoon that dream became reality when the Kansas City Royals signed him to a Rookie-Free Agent contract.

Beach reports to the Royals rookie league camp in Idaho Falls, Idaho today. He will play in the Royals advanced rookie system with the Idaho Falls Chukars this summer.

“It’s a shot at playing pro ball,” said Beach from his Roxie home in Franklin County. “Having the chance to play in the minor leagues and hopefully someday in the majors has always been a goal of mine. It’s really a dream come true.”

The 6-1, 205-pound Beach drew pro interest from a number of teams, including the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, before the Royals offered him a contract Friday.

Kansas City Royals scout Scott Nichols, a Jackson native signed Beach after a private workout Thursday. Beach played at Western Kentucky this season going 4-3 with noteable wins at Ole Miss, at Louisville, and against New Orleans in the Sun Belt Conference Championship game.

Beach graduated from Franklin High in 2003, setting numerous pitching records as a Bulldog for strikeouts and wins. He played his freshmen season at Co-Lin before red-shirting his sophomore year after having season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right throwing arm. He played at Delta State in 2006 before transferring to Division One Western Kentucky in 2007.

“I’ve really enjoyed the college experience and playing college baseball at such a high level,” Beach said. “The opportunity Western Kentucky gave me was priceless. Winning the Sun Belt Tournament Championship will be something I’ll never forget.”

Saturday afternoon, Beach was joined by several family members and friends at his Roxie home. His parents Mickey and Tricia Beach were all smiles for there son’s big opportunity.

“We’re really proud of him,” said Beach’s father Mickey Beach. “Ever since little league, me and Tricia have done our best to make every game of his we could. We’re just proud of this opportunity he has in front of him.”

Beach is the first Franklin County product to sign a pro baseball contract, since 1997 when Braxton Whitehead was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 15th round. Last year Franklin County native and McComb High grad Alonzo Harris signed with the New York Mets after being drafted in the 35th round.

“Right now I’m just ready to get started,” Beach said. “Ready to play pro baseball. It’s a new challenge but its something I’ve dreamed of all my life.”