Published: June 28, 2009 11:28 pm      

Back in Princeton

PRINCETON — Over the past few years, Ty Morrison has been on the go. He’s stopped — at least for the summer — in Princeton as a member of the Rays.

“I feel good being here,” Morrison said. “The people up here are great, they are real friendly, and the ball flies out of here so I think it’s just a good league.”

A fourth-round draft choice by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, Morrison played in 10 games in Princeton late last season, and is off to a good start in ’09, batting .294 (5-17) with two runs batted in, a triple, one stolen base and a pair of walks for the Rays heading into Saturday’s game at Bristol.

“I’m just excited to have the opportunity to play,” Morrison said. “That’s all I’m asking for is an opportunity just to play every day and do what I love to do. I’m excited.”

Like every other member of the Rays — and most everyone else in the Appalachian League — Morrison is living his dream.

“Ever since I was a little kid this is what I have always wanted to do,” said the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Morrison. “There is a lot more work. It is a lot of work, but hopefully by putting the work and time in you will get better each and every day.”

Born in 1990 in Norfolk, Va., Morrison played baseball at Great Bridge High School as a teammate of Justin Upton, currently an outfielder with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Upton is just one several young stars in the major leagues from the Chesapeake area. Known in this region as the ‘757 area code’ for being a football pipeline to Virginia Tech, it’s been much the same in baseball.

Among the stars are Upton, his brother, B.J. (Tampa Bay), Michael Cuddyer (Twins), David Wright (Mets), Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals) and Mark Reynolds (Diamondbacks). Morrison would like to join them.

“That is a great area for baseball,” said Morrison, who grew up as a fan of the Atlanta Braves, and their third baseman Chipper Jones. “Cuddyer, the Uptons, Zimmerman, they’re all out of Virginia Beach, too, so it is just a great area for baseball.”

However, Morrison didn’t finish his high school career in Virginia. Actually it was far from it. He was drafted out of Tigard High School in Oregon, but first took a six-month detour to Hawaii.

“It was my dad’s job, it’s actually a crazy story,” Morrison said. “When I was in Virginia, my dad called one day and said, ‘How far west would you consider moving?’, and I was like, ‘Maybe California.’

“He was like, ‘How about Hawaii?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, that doesn’t sound too bad.’ It was a nice little six-month vacation out there so it was definitely a good move.”

After six months in Hawaii, the Morrisons moved to Oregon where he led Tigard to the Class 6A state title game. Morrison was known to scouts in Virginia, and they didn’t forget about him out west.

“They followed me a little bit in Hawaii, and then I got up to Oregon and it was just crazy,” said Morrison, whose given name at birth was Christopher. “I had been in Virginia up until then so I was kind of skeptical about moving, but it worked out for the best.

“Obviously it worked out. God had a plan and it has definitely worked out in my favor so far.”

Despite being in Oregon just six months, he was still considered the top high school prospect in the “Beaver State.” Morrison was taken by the Rays with the 113th pick of the draft. Why the attraction from the pros?

“Probably my speed, and I think I’ve got a good line drive swing,” said Morrison, who turns 19 on July 22. “Speed helps you both ways on defense and offense so I think it is a good tool to have.”

Rated by Baseball America’s Baseball Prospect Handbook as the No. 28 prospect in the Rays’ system, Morrison is referred to as a ‘greyhound with impressive tools’ but he admits that he needs to add pounds, strength and muscle to his slender frame.

“I don’t have much pop right now, I’m hitting with pipe fitters,” said Morrison, said with a laugh, while pointing to his slender biceps. “Hopefully I’ll grow into my body some day and put on a little weight.

“The cafeteria food over at Concord is pretty good. Two buffets a day will help.”

Morrison didn’t sign until late last summer, largely because he was part of the first recruiting class for the born-again baseball program at the University of Oregon. In the end, playing baseball full-time won out.

“Obviously, to have an opportunity to have a scholarship from the University of Oregon was nice,” said Morrison, whose brother, Mike, is a decathlete at the University of Florida. “(Coach) George Horton is a first-class guy and the facilities there are amazing, it’s a great school and it’s got a Nike hookup.

“That and turning professionally, I think you go to school to figure out what you want to do for a job when you get out. This is what I wanted to do so I think that made it kind of easy for me.”

Morrison played in 10 games with Princeton last summer, batting .265 (9-34). He’s learned that even though the Appalachian League is a full of youngsters much like him, it’s definitely a step up from the prep level.

“It’s a little better, the pitching is a lot better, better fastballs, better off-speed stuff,” Morrison said. “Pitchers have better moves and the catchers are a little better than what we faced in high school so you’ve got to pick your times to run.”

Being 18 and on your own can bring with it similar choices. Morrison is focused on baseball, and don’t look for that to change. Morrison said any free time is spent listening to music, watching movies, eating or working out at Concord.

“It has been fun. Obviously picking to play pro you’ve got to grow up quick,” Morrison said. “I think it is something I am ready for and I am a responsible kid. My parents raised me good and I’ve got a good head on my shoulders.

“With all your free time, you’ve got a lot of time to make bad decisions so just keep your head on straight and keep on the right path.”

That is especially vital in the Tampa Bay farm system, which is one of the deepest in professional baseball, thanks to years of having high draft choices before finally compiling a winning record and reaching the World Series last season.

“Obviously they have a great farm system, a lot of their makeup comes from guys coming up in the system,” Morrison said. “It’s stacked, from pitchers to position players on up, it’s definitely going to be tough road up, but it is something I look forward to.”

He didn’t care who drafted him, as long as he got a chance.

“I was definitely excited just to have the opportunity to play professionally,” Morrison said. “It has always been a dream and it’s something I’m looking forward to for many years to come.”

Morrison, who has played center and left twice each through four games, isn’t concerned about where he plays.

“Pretty much wherever they want to put me,” Morrison said. “As long as I’m in the lineup I don’t care.”

Morrison followed a hitless opener with five hits in his next 14 at-bats, including a triple and single on Friday in a 7-1 win over Bristol. In the three-bagger, Morrison was able to slice the ball into the gap in right-center and show his speed by legging out a triple. He also stole a base and drove in a run.

He’s hoping for many more days like that in the future. No need to rush, he’s got a lifetime of baseball ahead of him.

“I just want to do the best I can,” Morrison said. “I’m 18, so hopefully I’ll put in my work and one of these days it will pay off. I’ve just got to keep working hard.”

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