Coming from a Division II baseball team and going into the major league would be a dream for most athletes, but former Mercyhurst outfielder David Lough is making that dream his reality.

After being the 11th round draft pick for the Kansas City Royals in 2007 during his junior year, Lough went to play for the Burlington Royals in North Carolina, the Burlington Bees in Iowa, the Wilmington Bluerocks in Delaware, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the AAA Omaha Royals which switched their name to the Storm Chasers in 2012.

Finally, this September, he was called up to play for the Kansas City Royals.

Ed Milliard photo: Lough takes bat for the Kansas City Royals.

“I always set goals for myself, and when I was a sophomore in college I realized that I might have a shot in the major leagues. Once I went pro, I set new goals for myself, always trying to accomplish them, making sure that I stayed where I worked so hard to be,” Lough said.

In 130 games with the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate, Lough had 19 doubles, 11 triples and 10 home runs, leading the team with 26 stolen bases.

“The major league’s a big transition, you see a lot of guys who throw hard. With better command and hitting more, it’s a lot different. It’s a learning process. I’m still learning the game even still to this day,” Lough said.

With his game day debut on Sept. 1 in a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins, Lough became the fourth Royal in franchise history to score two runs in his major league debut.
“The feeling of being in the major league is great. I was so shocked in my first game; it is really awesome being part of the team, it was just so eye opening. My family came which meant a lot to me because of all the support. It wasn’t easy working so hard to get here, but I am so glad that I did,” Lough said.

Lough, 26, is the third former Mercyhurst baseball player to reach the major league, joining pitchers John Costello and David Lee, both of whom are in the Mercyhurst Athletic Hall of Fame.

Lough has played in eight games so far on the major league level, with 31 at bats and 8 hits, with one double and one triple, he is on his way to making a huge impact on the team in seasons to come.

“To anyone aspiring to make it all the way someday, I would say to just always set goals for yourself, and make sure they’re obtainable,” said Lough. “Work hard to reach them, and set more goals, and keep reaching them. Not only just in sports, but in life too.”