Weeden, an Edmond Santa Fe graduate who was drafted in the 16th round as a catcher by the Boston Red Sox in June, was beginning his orientation in Fayetteville when he received the call he had been waiting for all summer long. The Red Sox had come up with the amount of money Weeden felt his services were worth.
Weeden declined to name a specific dollar figure on Thursday, but he said the signing bonus was in the neighborhood of $500,000.
"I didn't know what to do," Weeden said. "When they called, I just looked at my dad."
Weeden then informed Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn of his plans.
"We talked to my coach about it. I think he knew more about what was happening than we did. I don't think he was surprised at all. He completely understood," Weeden said.
Weeden will report to Boston's rookie league affiliate in Fort Meyers, Fla., on Sunday. His contract doesn't take effect until 2007, so he won't play in games. Instead, he will work out with the team.
"It's going to be fun just getting to know some of the players and coaches," he said. "I'll practice some and take BP (batting practice). That's about all I can do since it's a 2007 contract."
Weeden's older brother, Brandon, was drafted in the second round in 2002 by the New York Yankees. Brandon is currently with the High Desert Mavericks in the Kansas City Royals' organization.
Ty Weeden said he doesn't plan on buying anything big with is bonus money.
"I'll probably buy some wheels for my car, but that's probably it," Weeden said. "I'm going to save my money."
The Red Sox have Weeden penciled in at catcher, although he also played first base and pitched at Santa Fe. Weeden was named to the Oklahoman's All-State team this season. He hit .393 with 15 home runs and 46 RBI as a senior.
"I'll start at catcher at first," he said. "But I think they want me to prove myself. They know I can hit, but I need to work on my catching."
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