Usually the signing of a non-drafted free agent by a Major League Baseball team in July garners little more than a line in the transactions section of the newspaper. When the player is a 6-6 converted football player who can touch 100 mph on the radar gun, worked with heavy machinery for an excavating company and went to an art school, eyes tend to open a little wider.

Former Academy of Art right hander Brandon Poulson signed a $250,000 contract with the Minnesota Twins, the team announced on Wednesday. He recorded 19 strikeouts in 24.1 innings pitched for the Urban Knights this season and despite never being drafted, the physical make-up and potential the 24-year-old displayed drew interest from several pro clubs. He further showcases his talents this summer as the closer for the Prune Packers of the Golden State Collegiate baseball league, striking out 31 and allowing just six hits in 12.1 innings pitched.

Read more about Puloson's unique journey to the big time on ESPN, Yahoo Sports, USA Today, the Associated Press and Fox Sports. NBC News also ran a video feature on Poulson as he settles in with the Elizabethton Twins.