News Summary
David Morgan, a Rancho Peñasquitos native, made his MLB debut as a pitcher for the San Diego Padres, impressively pitching two-thirds of an inning without allowing a run. Since then, he’s showcased remarkable performance, including a 1.80 ERA over 30 innings. His journey from a local youth player to a promising MLB talent is marked by personal challenges, perseverance, and a deep connection to the San Diego community.
San Diego – David Morgan, a local talent from Rancho Peñasquitos, has made a notable impact in his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut as a pitcher for the San Diego Padres. The 24-year-old, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, took the mound for the first time on May 26, 2023, against the Miami Marlins. In this debut appearance, he successfully pitched 2/3 of an inning without allowing a run, showcasing his potential in the big leagues.
Morgan’s recent performance in the MLB has been impressive, as he has posted a 1.80 earned run average (ERA) over 30 innings pitched, demonstrating significant effectiveness in high-leverage situations. His ranking among relievers places him 14th in the league with an ERA of 1.63 for those with over 20 innings pitched. This level of performance is vital for the Padres, who aim for success in their playoff pursuits, and Morgan has frequently been relied upon to provide more than three outs in his appearances.
Born and raised in San Diego, Morgan has a deep-rooted connection with the community and the Padres organization. Growing up, he was a fan of both the Padres and the Chargers, idolizing players like Trevor Hoffman and Khalil Greene. He attended Mission Viejo High School and later played at Orange Coast College, where he developed a strong relationship with coach John Altobelli. Unfortunately, Altobelli and his family tragically lost their lives in the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash in January 2020, a loss that profoundly affected Morgan’s life and career.
After a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted baseball programs, Morgan faced NCAA ineligibility issues after attending junior college for three years. This led him to a pivotal decision to transition from a shortstop to a pitcher at the NAIA’s Hope International University. While the move was daunting, Morgan quickly adapted to the demands of his new position, developing a four-pitch mix that includes a fastball reaching speeds of up to 98 mph, a curveball, slider, and sinker.
Morgan’s journey has not been without personal struggles, as he has openly acknowledged the role that baseball played as a coping mechanism for mental health challenges. Throughout his development, the lessons imparted by Altobelli, particularly those surrounding perseverance and leadership, have been significant in shaping his character and approach to the game.
As he continues to navigate the pressures of sustaining his recent success in the MLB, Morgan enjoys a supportive environment within the Padres’ bullpen, working alongside several All-Star relievers. Apart from his athletic pursuits, he has also embraced surfing, sharing this pastime with his teammates.
Looking ahead, Morgan aims to remain a consistent contributor for the Padres, focusing on both his individual performance and the team’s collective goals. His emergence as a reliable option in the bullpen exemplifies the resilience and dedication that characterize his journey from a local youth player to a promising talent in Major League Baseball.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Talking With Padres Rookie Reliever David Morgan
- Audacy: Padres David Morgan on Playoff Run
- East Village Times: David Morgan – Unsung Hero
- MLB: David Morgan Makes Debut for Padres
- SI: Padres Surprise Announcement
- Wikipedia: San Diego Padres
- Google Search: David Morgan MLB
- Google Scholar: David Morgan Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: David Morgan Padres
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
