Athletics

Brad Peacock was a high school third baseman when Palm Beach State College recruited him in 2006 to play for the Panthers. There was one change.

Instead of third base, former PBSC baseball coach Alex Morales signed him to be a pitcher. That turned out to be the best move for Peacock, now a Houston Astros pitcher who helped lead the team to its first World Series Championship Wednesday.

“He’s an athletic kid with a really good arm,’’ said Morales, who was head coach from 2006-2010 and is now a scouter for the Washington Nationals. “I didn’t feel his hitting would be professional caliber. I thought a move to pitching would benefit him the most, and he agreed.  That’s just my scouting background.”

While Peacock had pitched some innings for Palm Beach Central high school, he continued to hone his skills through his work with PBSC baseball coach Kyle Forbes, who was then pitching coach.

“It was a pleasure working with him every day, and his work ethic was awesome,’’ said Forbes.

Peacock played for PBSC during the 2006-2007 season and helped take the Panthers to the state tournament before he signed with the Washington Nationals. He was then traded to the Oakland A’s. About three years ago, he was traded to Houston.

Forbes said he is proud of Peacock’s success since leaving PBSC. “This is the most success a Panther has had in the World Series. That’s what makes it special. It rarely happens. Every player on my team dreams of playing in the World Series,’’ said Forbes. “Here is an alumnus who has done it. It gives our guys hope.”

“He’s a great success. Pitching in the seventh game of the World Series, he’s done very well,” Morales said.

PBSC, which has had a strong baseball program throughout its history, has had other players play in the World Series, including in most recent years, Tony Cruz and Kevin Siegrist, who both went to the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

“Historically, Palm Beach State has had a good program,’’ Forbes said.