Donnie Tabb is officially a professional baseball player.

     Tabb, a freshman standout this past season at East Central Community College, recently signed a contract with the New York Mets and has reported to the organization’s Class A squad in St. Lucie, Fla., announced East Central baseball coach Neal Holliman. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

     The Neshoba Central High School product was selected in the 43rd round of the Major League Baseball Draft in June. He was the 1,292nd pick overall.

     Tabb, who played six different positions for East Central’s 39-20 squad in 2010, was praised by Holliman for not only his skills as an athlete but for the type person he is on and off the field.

     “He’s been a great player for us,” said Holliman, whose Diamond Warriors finished state tournament runners-up and finished third in the Region 23 Tournament.” He played anywhere — from left, center or right field to shortstop, second base and pitcher. He was so versatile and allowed us to do so many things in the lineup because of that versatility. Mainly he played centerfield.”

     Tabb, a second-team MACJC All-State selection, posted a .345 batting average in 2010 with three home runs, two triples and 16 doubles. He also collected 49 RBIs and scored 59 runs.

     Tabb believes he will succeed as a major league player and plans to use the same work ethic that got him to this point in his career.

     “I think I’m going to do fine,” he told The Star shortly after being selected by the Mets. “I’m going to be devoted and work hard.”