Colfax grad Nathan Johnson signs with Kansas City Royals

Nathan Johnson of Colfax departed on a flight to Phoenix early Monday morning to cap a whirlwind week in the world of minor league baseball. Johnson, who completed a four-year college baseball career with the Whitworth Pirates in Spokane, Sunday signed a contract to play for the Kansas City Royals.

He reported to the Royals’ facility at Surprise, Ariz., for a camp session.

Johnson is the first Whitworth graduate to ink a professional contract since Matt Squires was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 19th round of 2001.

Johnson signed as a free agent after last week’s professional base...