Posted on: Thursday, June 14, 2001

Sardinha gets $1 million signing bonus from Yankees

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

In his pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming phase, Bronson "Bully" Sardinha officially became a player in the New York Yankees' organization when he signed a contract last night at the club's training facility in Tampa, Fla.

"It's feels great," Sardinha said from the Yankees-owned hotel. "I'm loving every minute up here. I've dreamed about this my whole life. I'm just amazed at everything."

He ought to be. His signing bonus is $1 million for being the 34th overall selection in last week's Major League Baseball first-year player draft. Not bad for an 18-year-old who just graduated from The Kamehameha Schools.

For starters, Sardinha, his sister and father flew first class to Tampa. "(The Yankees) took care of everyone," he said.

Yesterday, Sardinha took batting practice with outfielder John-Ford Griffin, the team's first-round pick (23rd overall) out of Florida State. He got a bag of equipment, several wooden bats to choose from and several pairs of shoes.

"This organization is great," Sardinha said. "I'm very excited. I think I got a great deal. The ball club treats you like a king out here."

He said the Yankees house the players at the team hotel during training and provide all of their meals.

Sardinha said the most noticeable difference is the weather, with temperatures in the 90s and high humidity. He added he will need to work on his strength so the humidity does not drain him as the season goes on.

Today, Sardinha will play in an intra-squad game with other recent signees and Class A players. On Tuesday, the Yankees are scheduled to play the Kansas City Royals' rookie club. Pitcher Kahi Kaanoi, Sardinha's former high school teammate, is on that team because he has been in extended spring training while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Kaanoi was a seventh-round pick in the 2000 draft.