Citizen Staff Writer
TUCSON OPENER
KEN BRAZZLE
kbrazzle@tucsoncitizen.com
Out of college options, outfielder Armando Moran had nothing to lose when he tried out for the new Tucson Toros.
The 2005 Rincon School High graduate performed so well that he signed his first professional contract.
Unlike many of the other Toros players, this is Moran’s first try at pro ball. He was not signed by a Major League team after playing for Central Arizona and Chandler-Gilbert Community colleges. He tried to walk on at the University of Arizona, but was turned away.
That’s where the Toros, part of the independent Golden Baseball League, came in.
“I had a phone call in January saying that there was a tryout and they wanted me to come out to see what I could provide for this team,” Moran said. “After the third tryout, they asked me to sign with them. That is where I’m at so far.”
Moran and the Toros will begin play May 21 at Hi Corbett Field.
“I wanted to pursue my career in baseball,” he said. “I felt this was a great opportunity to get exposed to the scouting and get a chance to play professionally for an MLB team.”
He hit .460 for Rincon/University in 2005 – the second-highest average in school history behind Luke Johnson (.523), also in 2005 – and was named to the Tucson Citizen All-Star second team.
Moran is the second Rincon grad on the Toros roster, along with veteran left-handed pitcher Jason Jacome.
The Toros are still signing players. There are two outfielders, including Moran, on the roster.
He is aware this could be his last chance to impress scouts.
“If we do well, we won’t be here during the playoffs,” Moran said. “They will probably (sign) us three-quarters of the way (into) the season.”
TOROS OPENER
• Chico (Calif.) at Tucson, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, Hi Corbett Field
• Tickets: 325-1010