Thursday, June 03, 1999
Twins take Hamilton's Morris
Star now must choose between UK, pros
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Immediately after talking with an official from the Minnesota Twins organization, Hamilton star Seth Morris grabbed a pole and went fishing.
Drafted in the 13th round of baseball's amateur draft, Morris must decide between a professional baseball career or attending the University of Kentucky.
“Seth was excited to be drafted, but he didn't say much,” said Grady Morris, Seth's father. “His conversation with Minnesota was short and sweet.”
A .400-plus career hitter for Hamilton, Morris also was the Big Blue's best pitcher, although he preferred playing outfield.
During pre-draft conversations with teams that showed an interest, Morris said he definitely would sign if drafted in the first five rounds.
“It's one of those things that we'll let Seth think about and then talk with him later,” Morris said. “Minnesota will call late tonight, and it should be interesting.”
Ryan Spille, a 1995 Oak Hills graduate, was drafted in the 19th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
“This has been a life-long dream, and I've waited a long time,” Spille said. “It's the most relief I've had in my life and I can't wait to get going.”
A 6-foot-3, 190-pound left-handed pitcher, Spille compiled a 10-4 record for Southwest Missouri State this season. He played the first two years at Rend Lake (Ill.) Junior College.
“I wasn't expecting to hear anything until tomorrow,” Spille said. “There's a mini-camp in Florida this weekend, which I'll probably attend.”
Sports Stories
REDS 8, METS 7
REDS NOTEBOOK
Box, runs
Reds draft 'best' high school lefty
Reds deal may be done by break
Pickens for Irvin? Bengals say no
UC player accused of sexual battery
