Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Mitch Morales Learns Valuable Lessons on Diamond
6/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 28, 2012
By Morgan Romance
Boca Raton, FL - Just a year removed from being an all-state selection at Wellington High School, freshman Mitch Moralesstarted 50 games at shortstop for the Florida Atlantic University baseball team, and helped the Owls clinch their second Sun Belt Conference (SBC) regular-season championship in the past three seasons.
Part of the reason Morales chose to play baseball at FAU was because it was a dynamic program and it was close to home.
"Playing ball in my hometown is great. Being close to home was a big part of me choosing FAU. I'm very close with my family. So, being close to home and making it easy for them to come watch me play is a great part of the whole college experience," said Morales.
One of Morales' most exciting and memorable moments from his freshman year was a walk-off victory against rival FIU, sealing this year's SBC title for the Owls.
"This season was incredible," he said. "I knew going into the fall I was going to have to compete to get playing time during the spring season. I ended up playing a lot more than I expected, and just feel thankful to have been given the opportunity to help the team and be around such a great group of guys."
Morales realized a lifelong dream by playing collegiate baseball.
As a standout high-school shortstop at Wellington, Morales was a Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, first-team all-state selection and a member of the Diamond Club. At the conclusion of his senior year as a Wolverine, he knew FAU would be his collegiate destination.
"I had a pretty good mindset that college ball was the way to go. Physically, I was not ready for anything other than college baseball, and you can't beat playing the sport you love while receiving an education. I also wanted to have the whole college experience," stated Morales.
Morales' father, a professional scout for the Washington Nationals, instilled a love of baseball onto his son and has offered great advice throughout his development as a player - from learning the game in t-ball to now playing at the collegiate level for FAU.
"Having a father who knows the game has definitely helped. There's nothing like being able to work on something with your coaches and have your father know exactly what they are talking about," stated Morales.
Ironically, Morales was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft. He turned down that professional opportunity to play at FAU.
"Being drafted by the Nationals was great. It was a true honor and, although I didn't sign, I still feel blessed to have been given the opportunity," said Morales. "Adjusting to play college baseball as a freshman had its struggles. My biggest challenge was staying physically and mentally prepared for games throughout the long college season. Playing at the top of your game, you have to be physically prepared. You have to find time to get in the gym."
Following a solid freshman campaign, Morales is hopeful he can continue to contribute to the success of the FAU Baseball Team and bring some more championships back to his hometown.
"Mitchell had a tremendous year," said John McCormack, FAU's head baseball coach. "It has been fun watching him develop from a middle schooler to a DI short stop. I look forward to seeing how he progresses in the future, it should be fun. His best baseball is still ahead of him."
