World Series champ serves as inspiration to other Panthers
When Brad Peacock was a high school third baseman, 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 as a pitcher. That turned out to be the best move for Peacock, who helped lead the Houston Astros to its first World Series Championship in 2017.
“He was an athletic kid with a really good arm,’’ said Morales, who was PBSC’s head coach from 2006-2010. “I didn’t feel his hitting would be professional caliber. I thought a move to pitching would benefit him the most, and he agreed.”
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, earned a World Series ring with the Astros and then played with the Boston Red Sox.
Forbes said he is proud of Peacock’s success since leaving PBSC. “This is the most success a Panther has ever 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.”
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.
In recognition of Palm Beach State College’s 90th anniversary, the weekly Alumni Spotlight Series showcases the College’s role in preparing generations of graduates to achieve success in myriad careers and give back to their local communities.
