Bo Jackson to Start at Double-A

Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson will begin his professional baseball career with Memphis of the Double-A Southern League, the Kansas City Royals said Tuesday.

Jackson, who has been working out with the Royals since he signed Saturday, will report to Memphis Friday and begin playing Monday, said Dean Vogelaar, a spokesman for the Royals.

Said Avron Fogelman, co-owner of the Royals: “I hope to see him in the major leagues before Sept. 1.” Fogelman added, though, that regardless of how Jackson performs, he will be called up to the Royals after Sept. 1, when the rosters are expanded.

Jackson, a running back at Auburn, was the National Football League’s No. 1 draft choice and turned down $7 million in guaranteed money from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign with the Royals, who drafted him in the fourth round in the baseball draft June 2.

The Associated Press reported that Jackson will be paid $100,000 in the first year of a three-year contract and that he also was given a $100,000 signing bonus.

Jackson reportedly will make $333,000 in 1987 and $383,000 in 1988, and will be given a $150,000 bonus if he makes it to the major leagues.

The Royals contract allows Jackson to buy his way out of it in 1987 and 1988 if he wishes to return to football.