Zach Akins is like most guys who have ever played baseball. At some point and time in their lives, they dreamed of one day playing professional baseball and one day playing in the Major Leagues.

After his college playing days ended this past May, the former UAFS pitcher still held on to that dream, ever wondering if it would one day become a reality. Summer came and went, but finally, Akins has gotten his opportunity to play pro baseball.

Akins signed with the Somerton (Ariz.) Caneros on Tuesday night, becoming the second former UAFS pitcher this summer to sign a professional contract. The Caneros are one of four teams that make up the Desert League of Professional Baseball, an independent baseball league based in San Diego, Calif.

It's a newly-formed league, and its mission is to offer players who went undrafted from college or who were previously released from professional organizations a chance to make it to the Major Leagues. Players are paid, and scouts from professional baseball organizations will be attending the games to check prospects.

Sure, it's not the Major Leagues, but for Akins, it's a chance to keep playing the game he loves and an opportunity that might lead to other opportunities.

"It's a dream come true to get to play professional baseball," Akins said. "There are lots of opportunities here."

It's all sort of new for Akins, and the whirlwind of events continues for the Crane, Mo., native. The Desert League season will begin on Thursday and continue through Oct. 30. The Caneros will begin their season with a doubleheader against the Yuma (Ariz.) Maple Leafs at Joe Munoz Field in Somerton.

First pitch will be at 3:15 p.m.

Akins said he isn't sure what his role will be – a starter or reliever.

Akins played only one season for UAFS, transferring from Drury University after his junior season. This past spring, the right-hander made 11 appearances for the Diamond Lions, including two starts.

He compiled a 3.32 ERA with a 2-0 record and one save. He struck out 18 over 21 2/3 innings.