Charger Baseball Alum, Rafael Flores Earns Major League Call-Up with Pirates

CYPRESS, CA - Rafael Flores, a prominent former member of the Cypress College baseball program, has achieved a significant milestone in his baseball career by being called up to the Major Leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 16, 2025. This marks a noteworthy achievement not only for Flores and the Cypress baseball program, as he becomes the 27th former Charger to reach the MLB. The Chargers' 27 alumni who have appeared in the Major Leagues is more than any other 3C2A baseball program.

Flores played for the Chargers during the 2019 and 2020 seasons with a .345 AVG, .457 OBP, 19 H, and 14 RBI. His performance at Cypress College laid a solid foundation for his achievements in professional baseball. After leaving Cypress, Flores continued his career at Rio Hondo College and progressed through the New York Yankees' organization in the minor leagues, including stints with the Hudson Valley Renegades, Somerset Patriots, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders, before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization in July 2025.

Flores's call-up to the Major Leagues is celebrated not only by his former team but also widely acknowledged in the baseball community. Reflecting on his journey, Flores expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude, stating, '"This place is amazing. First time here, and I'm all smiles right now. It's great,' as reported by PGH Baseball Now. His journey to the MLB is an inspirational story of determination and hard work, underscoring the opportunities and developmental pathways provided by institutions like Cypress College.

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