These words, instilled in him by his father, Jack, are the foundation of Claudio Morgan's approach at the plate. Growing up in Newington, Connecticut, Claudio spent countless hours practicing with his father, honing his skills and refining his technique. "Good things happen when the ball is in play. He preached it. We practiced every day. In the winters we practiced in the shed," Claudio recalls. This relentless focus on making contact not only shaped his batting style but also enhanced his skills behind the plate. "After a while, I was just able to pick up the ball really well, and I think that made me a better catcher as well."
In the Brewster Baseball Association, where talent and tenacity often go hand in hand, Claudio Morgan stands out as a rising star. Born and raised in Newington, Connecticut, Morgan has always had a knack for putting the ball in play, a skill that's reflected in his impressive BB/K ratio.
At just 23 years old, Morgan's journey from the Auckland Black Sox to the Las Vegas Hustlers is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. "Being drafted by the Hustlers was a dream come true," Morgan recalls. "I've always admired their tradition of great catchers, and to be a part of that lineage is an honor."
Indeed, the Hustlers have a rich history of exceptional catchers, including Hall of Famers Riley Hinson, and Hank Brewer. Brewer, now serving as the Hustlers' Bench Coach, has taken a keen interest in Morgan's development. "Claudio has a lot of raw talent," Brewer says. "But to reach the next level, he needs to work on the thinking part of the game. Baseball isn't just about physical skill; it's a mental game too."
A self-proclaimed "foodie," Morgan has made it his mission to explore the culinary delights of Las Vegas. "I've eaten at about 200 different restaurants so far, and that's just the start," he shares with a grin. Despite his love for food, he admits, "Instant Mac & Cheese is the extent of my culinary skills."
Together with his best friend and teammate, third baseman Tristan Lloyd, Morgan is one of Vegas' most eligible bachelors. "Sure, I love the attention and so does Tristan, and we get a lot of it. Even more since I grew this sweet handlebar mustache," he says, stroking his distinctive facial hair. "But we're not ready to settle down. We're just enjoying life."Lloyd, a 24-year-old native of Australia, echoes Morgan's sentiments. "Claudio and I have a great time exploring Vegas," Lloyd says. "We're young, we're successful, and we're living in one of the most exciting cities in the world. It's a great time in our lives."
Despite standing at six feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Morgan's presence seems larger than life. "I like to dress the part when I hit the town. All of my suits are tailored. Tristan and I keep it classy when we go out. First class all the way."
But don't mistake Morgan's love for the nightlife as a sign of neglecting his athletic responsibilities. "We are athletes first and foremost, and have to take care of our bodies. We don't drink to excess and we don't stay up all night," he asserts. "And despite what the papers may say, I don't have an endless stream of ladies in my suite. That's not what I'm about."
With his talent, work ethic, and the support of a storied franchise behind him, Claudio Morgan is a name to watch in the coming seasons. As he continues to hone his skills and deepen his understanding of the game, there's no telling just how far this rising star will go.
