GARY, Ind. — The competition for a spot in the Gary SouthShore RailCats infielder continues to grow, as the ‘Cats today announced they have agreed to contract terms with rookie Brandon Morgan for the 2009 season.

Morgan, 24, has not played a professional game since finishing a decorated college career at Division I Northwestern State in 2006.  A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Morgan was a three-time All-Southland Conference selection, earning First Team honors in 2004 & 2006.  Morgan and the 2005 Demons won the Southland Conference Tournament Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Morgan’s name is littered throughout the Northwestern State record book, where he ranks in the career top 10 all-time in 12 different categories.  Morgan is the Demons all-time leader in hits (259), doubles (59), triples (17), runs batted in (169), total bases (421) and at bats (806).  The 5’9” Morgan also ranks second in games played, runs scored, walks and hit by pitches.  Morgan’s best individual season came as a senior in 2006 when he batted .352 with nine home runs, 48 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 55 games.

Morgan’s signing gives the RailCats 15 players under contract – seven of whom are infielders – for the 2009 season.  Morgan joins returning starters Jay Pecci, Eric McNamee and Mike Rohde on the infield along with newcomers Jeff Beachum, Paul Bartolucci and Isaac Omura.  The RailCats also have catchers Anthony Esquer and Brett Wallace, outfielders Cristian Guerrero and Rob Marconi, and pitchers Garret Holleran, Brian Halford, Aaron Cook and Zach Groh under contract for the upcoming year.  The RailCats expect to have at least 28 players in camp when Spring Training opens May 1.

The RailCats open the 2009 season at home Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. against the Joliet JackHammers.  Season tickets, group outings, mini-plans and flex tickets are now on sale by calling the RailCats at 219.882.2255.  Don’t miss your chance to experience the RailCats Tradition of Excellence in 2009 at U. S. Steel Yard.