Fullerton, CA – For the first time in program history the Hope International Baseball program will have an alumni appear for a Major League Baseball team as David Morgan has been called up to the San Diego Padres for the 2025 season. Morgan is also the first Royal in school history to be called up to one of the top professional leagues in the United States.
 
Morgan played one year for the Royals as a two way player. A native of Mission Viejo, CA Morgan was a key piece of the Royals offense as they won the 2022 GSAC Regular season tile and GSAC Tournament title. Morgan received All GSAC honors earlier in the year as he finished the season with a .349 batting average to go along with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs. Morgan also made eight appearances on the mound pitching 9 1/3 innings with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP.
 
Morgan originally signed as a free agent for the San Diego Padres organization in July of 2022 and has been playing for the Padres Double-A affiliate the San Antonio Missions. Morgan has pitched 8 2/3 innings for the Missions recording a 3.12 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP with 19 strikeouts in seven appearances. Morgan has played four seasons in the minor leagues appearing in 78 games while going 7-6 with four saves over 117 innings pitched while striking out 132 and recording a 1.26 WHIP.
 
On hearing the great news Head Coach Larry Mahoney said, "Today is one day I will never forget. There is nothing like getting a text from a former player letting you know he is a big leaguer. David was an unbelievable athlete and man to have in our program. We were extremely blessed to have watched him play in a Royal uniform. He is the first Royal to make it to the big leagues and we couldn't be more proud and happy for him and his family. David has set a new standard for our program, and we are exciting to continue watching him live out his dream."
 
Morgan could make his Major League debut as soon as this afternoon as the Padres take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:10 PM.