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2002: Morales either can be a starter or valuable reserve outfielder as a 2002 junior...his speed also can be used in a pinch-running role late in the game.
MIKE GILLESPIE SAYS: "Michael is a great success story. He is a great leader and very bright. He is a mature guy and is one of our best base stealers and defensive players on the team. He should definitely be considered as a starter."
2001: Morales was a valuable hitter off the bench in his 2001 sophomore season...batted .414 (12-for-29)...started in four of 32 games...went 1-for-2 against Tennessee on June 12 at the College World Series...on Feb. 18 at UCLA, his single to right in the top of the 11th proved to be the game-winner in a 5-4 victory against the Bruins.
2000: Morales served as a team manager for the Trojans and traveled with the team to Omaha for the College World Series.
1999: Morales attended USC, but did not play baseball.
HIGH SCHOOL: He earned 1998 first team All-Empire League honors at Loara High in Anaheim (Calif.)...participated in the North/South Orange County All-Star Game...also played as a quarterback and cornerback for the football team, where he was named as the Empire League Most Valuable Player...also played in the North/South Orange County All-Star Football Game...member of the Dean's List and All-Academic team.
PERSONAL: Majoring in business...his father was a USC graduate...birthdate is Jan. 30, 1980.
MORALES' CAREER STATISTICS YEAR G-GS AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB-SBA BB SO 2001 (So.) 32-4 .414 29 7 12 1 0 0 5 1-2 4 4
