A recent graduate of Walter Panas High School is realizing the dream of playing ball professionally!

Sam Stafura has officially agreed to a contract worth nearly $2.5 million with the Cincinnati Reds.            

He was the 43rd overall selection in last week's major league draft.            

Players are paid based on how high they are picked.              

The Reds gave Sammy $500,000 more than he was supposed to get.            

So, forget college ball, he's off to the minor leagues!!!