'Like a dream': Former Metamora, Indiana State pitcher signs with MLB organization

Indiana State pitcher Geremy Guerrero (30) during an NCAA baseball game against Tennessee on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Shawn Millsaps)
Indiana State pitcher Geremy Guerrero (30) during an NCAA baseball game against Tennessee on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Shawn Millsaps)

Metamora graduate Geremy Guerrero will get his shot to play in the major leagues.

The former Indiana State left-handed pitcher signed a contract with the Houston Astros organization and is expected to report to their facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, for training.

The 2016 Metamora grad was working as a graduate assistant with Indiana State baseball, assisting with the pitching staff and the day-to-day operation.

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Now, the 6-foot, 240-pounder begins life as a pro ballplayer.

"My first initial thought was that I was stunned and speechless," Guerrero said in a release. "A year out, I didn't think it was going to be possible, but I'm excited, anxious, and just happy for the opportunity."

Geremy Guerrero
Geremy Guerrero

The former Sycamores ace and all-American was named the MVC pitcher of the year after a season he went 10-1 in 14 starts and led the MVC with a 2.08 ERA, 99.1 innings pitched and a .182 opposing batting average. For his career, he was 12-4 with 26 starts over five seasons, with a 3.49 ERA over 173.0 innings with 166 strikeouts and 39 walks.

Guerrero left the Sycamores after last weekend's trip to Peoria to face Bradley. He wanted one more trip with the team.

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"They were understanding about my wanting to get in one more trip with the guys," Guerrero said, "and I'll be down there later this week to get back after it."

Guerrero is expected to briefly train with the Astros in Florida before getting slotted with one of the Astros minor league teams for the rest of the 2022 season.

"I'm extremely honored the Astros organization has given the opportunity to get back out there," Guerrero said. "It still feels like a dream and for parts of last week — it definitely did not feel real. I'm excited to get back at it and get back to work."

Wes Huett is Journal Star sports editor. Email him at whuett@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @WesHuett.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Indiana State's Geremy Guerrero of Metamora signs with Houston Astros