The Chicago Cubs are betting that the son of The Great One has a future in baseball, signing the hockey superstar's son to a contract.
The Cubs agreed to terms on Friday with first baseman Trevor Gretzky, the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
"The Cubs are thrilled to welcome Trevor Gretzky to the organization," general manager Jim Hendry said in a release. "It was a pleasure working with the Gretzky family on this contract and we are excited by Trevor's decision to begin his pro baseball career with the Cubs."
According to ESPN, Gretzky's contract is worth $375,000. A Cubs spokesman said the team hasn't decided where the 18-year-old left-handed power hitter will begin his minor league career.
Gretzky was selected by Chicago in the seventh round of June's amateur draft. He had previously committed to play at San Diego State next season, but will instead launch his professional career.
Gretzky graduated from Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Calif., where he finished his senior season with a .393 average, 10 doubles, four triples and a home run.
Wayne Gretzky won four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988.
When he retired in 1999, the elder Gretzky held 40 regular-season records and 15 playoff records. He was the only player to ever score more than 200 points in a single season – a feat he accomplished four times.
His No. 99 jersey was retired by every team in the NHL.
With files from The Associated Press
