Luke Heimlich reportedly signs contract with Mexican League team

Controversial former Oregon State standout pitcher Luke Heimlich signed a contract with a Mexican League team, ESPN reported Wednesday. The left-handed Heimlich was shunned by all 30 major league teams in each of the past two drafts due to a guilty plea for molesting his 6-year-old niece when he was age 15.

Now 23, Heimlich signed with Dos Laredos Tecolotes of Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. He was a two-time Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year at Oregon State and likely would have been a first-round draft pick if not for his sordid past. Around the time his draft stock was plunging, Heimlich told Sports Illustrated and the New York Times that he was innocent of his niece's claims. He said he pleaded guilty due to poor legal advice.

His niece's mother was upset that Oregon State allowed Heimlich to be on the team, once telling The Oregonian, "I'm appalled that the college he's going to would even have him on their team." This marks the second time Heimlich has signed with a non-American team. The first instance didn't last long.

Heimlich signed with the Lamigo Monkeys in August, but the Chinese Professional Baseball League ruled hours later that the Monkeys must terminate the contract due to the league's zero-tolerance policy for players with a criminal history. The Kansas City Royals looked into signing Heimlich after he went undrafted last June but ultimately passed.

(With inputs from agencies.)