Dahlonega, Ga. – Former North Georgia College & State University standout Richie Daigle signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Padres organization yesterday. The former Saints right fielder will begin a new career as a pitcher for the Peoria Padres.

“I wanted the opportunity to play and it's a dream come true to get this chance,” Daigle said after signing with San Diego. He said on moving from the outfield to pitching, “
”I'm trying to keep on playing, doesn't matter where I'm playing just as long as I'm playing.”

Daigle will join the Peoria Padres out of Peoria, Ariz. in Arizona Summer League, which is part of the Rookie League.

In his two seasons with North Georgia, the Alpharetta, Ga. native batted .342 with 24 home runs, 119 RBIs, 113 runs scored, 145 hits, a .604 slugging percentage, and a .944 fielding percentage. This past season he was selected as a NAIA Second Team All-American, NAIA Region XIII All-Region Team, and SSAC All-Conference Team.

Daigle said of his time at North Georgia as a Saint, “It was an honor to play here, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.”