Who knew? Luke Morgan always has. He just has never gotten a real chance to show that he had the skills to be a premier baseball pitcher. That is until this past weekend while playing in the North Louisiana Summer Collegiate League (NLCL). Now everyone knows.
With fellow Jackson Parish natives, Ty Simonelli and Caleb Waters playing alongside, Morgan is a member of the Koala’s, one of five teams that make up the NLCL. Based in Shreveport and playing games at Centenary College, the league is comprised of players who are currently on a collegiate roster or will be this fall.
The Louisiana League has been the fastest growing summer baseball league in the nation since debuting in 2018 and have since hosted players from over 60 (NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA) colleges and universities.
Play began this past weekend where Morgan turned heads with pitching skills that had yet to be discovered. In the season opener on Saturday, June 17, with his team holding onto a slim lead but short on pitchers, Morgan was called on to pitch the final inning after already manning the outfield and playing catcher. He responded by slamming the door on the opponent to earn the save, ending the game with a flourish by striking out the final batter.
The next day the Koala’s were still in a jam in regard to their pitching staff. Remembering the job Morgan did the day before, head coach Roderick Sherman gave the ball to the versatile player again. This time to start the game. Proving that his performance the day before was no fluke, Morgan needed only 58 pitches to fire five innings of shutout ball, recording six strikeout and allowing only three hits. For his effort he was named the Day 2 MVP of the league.
A biblical adage states that it is better to give than receive. By definition that means that you will get more blessings, have more joy, experience greater happiness, from giving than from receiving. Morgan’s baseball career to this date has been a perfect example of that.
As a small in stature, slick fielding infielder growing up, when Morgan entered his junior year at Quitman he was asked to give up his “natural” position to become a catcher. The concern personally was that, since he didn’t have prototypical size of a catcher, this may hamper his chances of getting the opportunity to play college ball, which was a goal of his. Putting the betterment of the team ahead of his own personal desire, Morgan did as requested.
Demonstrating a strong work ethic, Morgan practiced tirelessly at becoming a quality “backstop”. The results were impressive. He quickly excelled in his abilities behind the plate, making only five errors in 355 total chances over two seasons, including handling 200 chances his senior year without making a single miscue.
A benefit of being a catcher is that you gain a great understanding of the strike zone and through this knowledge Morgan also became a tremendous asset at the plate. As a junior, he led the team with a .500 batting average, one of the higher in the state regardless of classification. His keen eye at the plate also led to him receiving 64 free passes and striking out only 18 times (just six in his senior year) in 237 plate appearances his final two years. This included getting hit by a pitch 27 times. Talk about giving it up for the team.
Through his giving what was best for his team, Morgan received acclaim. Both his junior and senior season he earned All-State status, while leading Quitman to state quarterfinal and semi-finals berths. He also received a scholarship to Louisiana Christian University (LCU) in Pineville.
This past spring he was once again asked to give up his own personal desires and do what was best for the team. Once again he agreed to do so, agreeing to sit out the year as a red-shirt. Continuing the work ethic instilled in him by his parents, John and Tracey, and his coaches at Quitman High School, Morgan used the time away from the field to get stronger, much stronger.
With Morgan now having the opportunity to show his increased strength in his arm on the mound, the “old adage” is still holding true. He came to the league to improve as an infielder so that he would be better prepared to play for LCU next spring. As in the past, he once again answered the call to give to the team by playing a new position. Once again, he has received the benefits of doing so.
Who knew? Morgan knew that it is always better to give than receive.
To follow the action of the league and the local players go to the NLCL Facebook page, on Instagram at @nlcl.louisiana.league or on Twitter @North_LA_League.