By: Quin Smith
Williamsburg, KY – Former University of the Cumberlands pitcher
Cooper Morgan has been selected to represent Team Australia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, scheduled for next month. The honor marks a major milestone in Morgan's rising professional career and adds another achievement to his time as a Patriot.
Morgan, who signed with the Adelaide Giants of the Australian Baseball League earlier this year, has continued to gain recognition for his performance both domestically and internationally. His selection to Team Australia places him among elite talent preparing to compete on one of baseball's biggest global stages.
In two seasons with the Patriots, Morgan helped lead the program to back-to-back NAIA World Series appearances, compiling an impressive 9-2 record on the mound. He totaled 108 strikeouts over 83.0 innings pitched, earning Mid-South Conference Player of the Week honors three times during his UC career. In 2025 alone, he appeared in 17 games (six starts), striking out 60 batters across 45.0 innings with a 4.80 ERA.
"We are really proud of Cooper," said Head Coach
Brad Shelton. "What a great honor to represent your country in the World Baseball Classic. We can't wait to watch him compete against the best baseball players in the world."
Morgan becomes the latest Cumberlands player to reach the professional ranks and now the first in program history to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
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