June 26, 2003

The San Diego Padres announced on Wednesday that they have signed NC State catcher Colt Morton, the club's third round draft pick in the recently completed Major League Baseball Draft. Morton, a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, clubbed 19 homers to lead NC State this past season.

Overall, Morton, 21, batted .262 (174-for-663) with 35 doubles, two triples, 44 homers and 139 RBI in 175 games over three seasons with the Wolfpack. He ranks fourth all-time among NC State leaders in home runs, 19 of which came in 2003, the eighth-best single-season mark in school history.

Morton joins five other NC State teammates who also signed pro contracts earlier this month.