Lee Garris, a recent graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, heard his name called in the 13th round of the Major League Baseball Draft, securing a contract with the New York Yankees.
A New Chapter Begins
He will soon travel to Tampa, Florida, to report to the Yankees' rookie development complex, marking the first step of a professional career that many expected to begin at the collegiate level.
During his senior season he batted .530 and launched nine home runs, helping Maury capture a Region 5B title and reach the Class 5 state semifinals, performances that earned a recommendation from former All‑Star Michael Cuddyer.
Cuddyer, who endured a lengthy minor‑league grind before a successful big‑league tenure, advised Garris to embrace the daily work required at the lower levels while keeping his sights fixed on a future debut in the Bronx.
Garris says he expects to spend roughly four years in the farm system, though he hopes to accelerate that timeline and make his major‑league debut sooner, a goal that reflects the dreams of countless youngsters who picture themselves in pinstripes.