TBR Interview- Ryan Morris Cleveland Indians

Part 1
You know how when you first observe a player and you say "Wow...this kid is going to be awesome" Well, Ryan Morris is one of those players. He looks, acts and performs with that "swagger". The confidence you love to see in a competitor. But as much fun it is to watch Ryan play, it is even better to get to know him. Ryan is a quality young man. He is very respectful and always willing to help anybody if they ask him.He knows what he wants and he has worked very hard to put himself in a position to reach for his dreams. I hope everybody at TBR gets an opportunity to meet Ryan. He will go far in life with or without baseball, but I hope its baseball because he promised me his 1st autographed card (sorry, Rob)

Ryan, a lot has happened since we first tried to schedule this interview, but I still would like to start with last year's season. When you look back at your season at South Mecklenburg, what are your thoughts? having to deal with the scouts? your senior year? Coach Bagwell?


Well let me first say, that my experiences with South Meck baseball can never be replaced! Going into my senior year at South, I had an idea that some Professional teams were interested but had no clue that it was going to pick up as quickly as it did. At first it was a little overwhelming seeing anywhere from 10-30 scouts at a game, but as the season went on, I got used to it, much like the college scouts my previous season. I sat down with Coach Bagwell at the beginning of the season and told him that this was my last year of high school baseball, my senior year, and I wanted to enjoy it. He knew exactly what I meant by that and did everything in his power to help keep the scouts from getting to me. I also had a great family advisor at the time and he also helped tremendously! So the scouts weren't really a problem at all. As for the season, as many people know, we fell a little short as far as a state champoinship, but I'm so proud of the way we went about our business. We had a great group of guys and we all had fun throughout the season.

What do you miss most about leaving South Mecklenburg?


The thing I miss the most is all my friends and teammates. I'm pretty busy throughout the year, but I still try to stay in contact with everyone. Its tough not being able to keep up with everyone as far as baseball and school, but I try my best.

Congratulations in your signing with the Cleveland Indians. What was that like? and how did you arrive at your decision?

Well, the decision-making process was extremely hard. I don't think some people realize just how much goes through your mind when you have to choose between going to a great college and experiencing those great years, or taking that giant step into becoming an adult and making a living on your own. But after weighing the pros and cons, and realizing that I had the opportunity to begin my childhood dream, I just couldn't pass that up!

Tell us about your first season with the organization? What have you learned?

My first season went great! Much better than I expected. I mean of course I was on a roller coaster ride, lots of ups and downs, but overall I became a better pitcher by learning from those experiences. I think the biggest thing I've learned is that there isn't anyone telling you what to do anymore. You're on your own for the most part. In high school, I always had a coach instructing me on what to do and how to do it. But now, its a career, and they expect you to know what to do at all times. But it has definitely helped me mature tremendously.

What has been your observation of your "homeboy", Chris Archer? How did he do?

Well, Chris and I have become the best of friends. We both have the same agent as of a week ago! Chris is a tremendous athlete and pitcher, and just a really great guy in general. He and I were roommates through rookie season and instructional league, and let me tell you, off the field, he's a trip! But, ON the field, Chris is nothing but serious. He is one of the hardest workers I've ever seen! He made a lot of strides in his first season and improved tremendously through my eyes!

 

Part 2

What advice would you give to a middle schooler wanting to be the next Ryan Morris?

First thing I always tell younger guys is stay away from the drugs and the alcohol! I have never drank and I have never done drugs and I honestly believe I wouldn't be where I am today if not for that! Also, never give up on your dreams! Work hard at everything you do! I think there were many people who doubted me when I used to say "I'm going to pitch in the Big Leagues!" But now, I'm that much closer to making that dream come true! Never give up!

I know your Mom and Dad very well and they are the epitome of great baseball parents. What are the most important things that you learned from them?

I've learned that even though you may think that your parents don't know what they're talking about, they've been in our shoes before and know whats right and wrong for us! They helped me with making so many decisions, and I know that I would not be where I am today if not for both of my parents!

What three people would you like to invite to dinner? and why?

Roger Clemens- favorite player, awesome competitor, no matter how old he is!
Dane Cook- funniest guy i've ever seen
My Granny- She always wanted to see me make it in baseball, and I just wish I could share my experiences with her!

Who has been the biggest influence in your baseball career?

I would have to say 2 people.
My dad, because he was the one who first introduced me to baseball and always helped bring out the best in me. He also taught me the fundamentals, which I've learned are still important in the pros!
Coach B (Providence High School now ) He really pushed me to become the best player I could be. A lot of people don't know this, but my nickname with him was "LA" for Lard A** (haha) and he always pushed me to take that extra step. He has taught me so much about the game of baseball and so much about life in general.

Is there anything that you would like to say to the TBR members that we haven't covered?

As some may know, I wasn't too bad of a hitter in high school (or maybe I just want to believe that). So, if you could, sign a petition that pitchers should be able to hit in the American League ... I really miss it!! haha

I really appreciate Ryan taking the time to do this for us. I would also like to thank Susan and Rob for raising such a fine young man. He's a class act, an amazing ballplayer and one I'm fortunate to know...oh...did I tell you that I'm Ryan's advisor, too? I've advised him to invest in my new venture...a new TBR plane, bus and yacht so I can travel easier across the state instead of pushing the TBR RV all over the place.

 

Great job, Ryan! I couldn't be happier for you.

Many of my fondest memories of travel ball with Ben include matchups against you and Rob. Class acts all the way!

Hope to see you in action next summer.

 

If anybody has a question for Ryan, post them here. Some things that I would like to know about is this?

- Are most of your teammates your age? No. Actually, most of the players ranged from 21-23, I was just 1 of about 4 guys who was 18 or 19.

- What was it like to "be on your own" the first time. At first, it was a little weird not havin my parents there to do stuff for me, but I adapted well and really enjoyed being independent for the first time in my life.

- Did you find the majority of your competition to be Latin American? Competition and teammates were mainly Latin. It was kind of funny how I learned more spanish through them than I did in 3 years of taking spanish in high school.

- Where do you go next and have they (the Indians) conferred their plans with you? Well, If I do well in Spring Training, its looks like i'll get to go ahead and start in Low A in Lake County Ohio instead of short season. Hopefully that works out and by the end of the season I will end up in Kinston NC for high A.

These are just a few, so please post more

 

Is it public knowledge what signing bonus it took to get him to give up the opportunity at Clemson? Not trying to be nosy, but obviously very interested if the info is out there.

 

public knowledge

Signing bonuses for the top ten rounds in 2006
per PGCrosschecker

 

of course, that doesn't count a lot of other things....like college tuition money. Ryan was well taken care of

 

Braves is right....several other factors also went into the decision process, tution is one, how long you are obligated to pay back bonus if you walk away, etc. We made sure the decision made sense and didn't base it on signing bonus alone.

 

I always feel a little slimy when I hear what a guy signed for but I did check out the link. That is an exceptional bonus for that round. It's probably the biggest I have ever seen for that round. Good for him.

 

I don't know about Ryan, but if I had had the opportunity to play baseball instead of going to College, baseball is where I would have gone,......regardless of what the school would have provided. If he has the talent to play ball, which he does, then baseball is the way to go for him. He can always go back to school!!! Congrats to Ryan, we'll be watching!