Guadalajara continues to be a thriving breeding ground for baseball talent. The latest rising star is Andrés Luna Román, a 17-year-old who began playing at just three years old in the Cuervos de Zapopan League.

This week, Luna officially joined the ranks of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied and popular franchises. He signed his contract on Monday—not in California, but at the Jalisco Government Palace in downtown Guadalajara, accompanied by prominent figures from the local sports and political world.

International players from outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico can sign with MLB teams as young as 16 years old,  In some cases, players will need a parent or legal guardian to co-sign their contract.

In addition to his deal with  the Dodgers, Luna was also signed by the Toros de Tijuana to play in the Mexican Baseball League during the summer season.

Young baseball players in Guadalajara hone their skills in various local leagues, including the Legión Americana Zapopan League, which was founded and supported for many years by members of the former American Legion post in Guadalajara.