Wednesday, June 02, 1999
Morris only local figured to be drafted
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor
Every time the phone rings today at the Hamilton home of Grady and Carol Morris, anxiety will be running high.
The emotional roller coaster is the result of the start of baseball's three-day, 50-round, annual amateur draft in which 18-year-old Seth Morris is Cincinnati's only projected selection.
Morris, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound outfielder/pitcher for Hamilton, committed to the University of Kentucky but is ready to sign with a professional team under certain conditions.
“Everyone knows that I'd have to be drafted during the first five rounds,” Morris said. “I also told them that if they drafted me as a pitcher, there's no way I would sign.”
A .400-plus career hitter for Hamilton, Morris is considered one of Ohio's best hitters. But he also has a strong arm, with his fastball timed at 90 mph.
“I've talked with the Yankees, Braves, Twins, Pirates and Reds,” Morris said. “They all wanted to know how much money it would take, but I didn't give them a figure.”
Hamilton basketball coach Larry Allen described Morris as an “all-American kid who is humble and a great leader.”
“When Seth was named the Ohio winner of the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year award, he took it in stride,” Allen said.
Morris said he doesn't know what to expect, but no matter the outcome, he won't be disappointed.
Northern Kentucky's only prospect is Conner's Cary Page, who put off signing with a college until after the draft.
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