Zach Jackson took a chance back in 2001.

This year, it's finally paid off.

Jackson, a graduate of Seneca Valley, was chosen in the first round with the 32nd pick overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in amateur baseball draft June 7.

Last Wednesday, he signed with the team and received a signing bonus of $1,017,500.

As a high school senior, Jackson was chosen in the 50th round by the Chicago White Sox.

Jackson would have signed if had he gone in the first four rounds. Instead, he headed to the University of Louisville, which had given him a scholarship.

"It's such a blessing," said Jackson's mother, Susan. "It's incredible. We're so happy for him."

Jackson signed his contract in Auburn, N.Y, which is where Jackson will begin his professional baseball career.

The team, which plays in the New York-Penn League, is a short-season Class A level just ahead of Rookie and just below the Class A team.

"The team is doing great actually," said Jackson. "Since I had a high pitch counting coming in (112 with Texas A&M this spring), I'm not going to throw until Aug. 16.

"I'm getting a little antsy. I don't like to sit around. We've got one of the best records in baseball (29-7).

"I'm doing awesome. Of course, I just want to get out there and contribute. I don't think there's a strict pitch count, so I'm hoping to get in a few starts," Jackson added.

Jackson has already sat down with his family to discuss how to handle his new windfall.

He will receive two-thirds of his signing bonus within 90 days of signing, then the balance after one year.

Jackson admits he's in no rush to spend any of his bonus money but does hope to buy a car in the near future. He's keeping everything in perspective and is appreciative of his parents' guidance.

"Of course, I owe it all to my parents. They got me where I am today," he said.

"He does still ask his dad (Tom) for his opinion and his advice," said Susan Jackson said.

Jackson will also make a donation to the New Community Church in Warrendale to cover the cost of a dental chair that will be used by a group going to Nairobi to provide dental care.

"It's good to be able to give back," Zach Jackson added.

Having gotten three years under his belt pitching Division I baseball - he played his first two seasons at Louisville before transferring to Texas A&M - Jackson already has a tentative timetable to reach the major leagues.

"Hopefully, in three years, that's my goal to shoot for," said Jackson. "By being a first-rounder, I'm guaranteed a trip to the big-league spring training camp either next year or 2006. That's a great opportunity."

In the meantime, Jackson will have to get by on a minor-league salary of $850 a month.

"Hopefully, I'm not staying too long in one place," said Jackson.

"Hopefully, I'll be in (advanced) Class A ball next year in Dunedin, Fla., and move up from there," Jackson added.