For the first time in the sport’s history, a Hungarian player has signed with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, as the San Diego Padres announced the acquisition of Márkó Moura in August.
The online magazine albat.com published a detailed article on the Californian club’s historic signing. It noted that the 16-year-old Moura plays as a catcher and already demonstrates impressive skills, raising hopes within the Padres organization that they may have discovered a hidden gem.
The article underlined that Moura has an exceptionally strong arm and a natural ability to read the game. His talent has not only drawn the attention of the Padres but has also been closely monitored by other professional clubs. According to the report, this contract is only the beginning of the Hungarian player’s professional career.
‘Although there is still much for him to learn and room for improvement, his talent is undeniable,’ the article stated, adding that with the right support, the young Hungarian could become an important part of the team’s future.
‘The young Hungarian could become an important part of the team’s future’
Moura comes from a true baseball family. His grandfather introduced the sport to Hungary and founded the country’s first baseball club in Óbuda in 1990. He also coached at the Óbuda Baseball Club and played a key role in establishing the Hungarian Baseball Federation in 1992.
His son, Roberto Moura, has carried on this legacy, currently serving as president of Óbuda Brick Factory Baseball and Softball SE, as well as captain of the senior, U18, U15, and Hungarian national teams.
Roberto told MTI that both Márkó and his other son, Martin, a pitcher, have played baseball since early childhood. Their talent became evident quickly, and by the age of 12, Márkó had moved to Tenerife, one of Europe’s key baseball hubs.
Two years later, the brothers advanced further by joining an academy in Venezuela, before moving on to the Dominican Republic, where every MLB team operates a base and numerous academies for nurturing talent.
Regarding his son’s contract with the Padres, Roberto revealed that from 15 January Márkó will report to the team’s Dominican base to continue his career. However, he may already be called upon to play as early as September in the Dominican league, where the San Diego franchise has reached the quarter-finals.
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