RYAN MORRIS

Hundreds if not thousands of young boys in South Charlotte grow up hoping to one day become a major league baseball player.  2005 South Mecklenburg High School graduate Ryan Morris was one of those boys a few years ago, now he is just steps away from reaching his goal.  Morris, 18, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cleveland Indians.

As a youngster Ryan played baseball for Olde Providence Recreation Association before entering AAU baseball.  He spent time with the On Deck O’s and the Charlotte Diamondbacks when not playing for his middle school and high school.  When Ryan reached 16 years of age, the time came for another move up the ladder.  Ryan chose to play Showcase baseball, a league designed to expose the best of the best to college and pro scouts. 

Playing for the Carolina Sox and Team Impact provided Ryan with maximum exposure. He credits Team Impact Coach Andy Partin and Ardrey Kell Head Coach Hal Bagwell (formerly of South Meck) with getting him to where he is now.

Prior to the start of his junior year of baseball Ryan visited South Carolina and Clemson.  Both visits went well, but Ryan fell in love with Clemson and committed to play for the Tigers following graduation from high school.

During his junior year, Ryan took a major step forward, his fastball climbed from the mid 80’s to the mid 90’s and the pro scouts took notice. 

“My fastball was blowing people away, I hit 94 on a radar gun in Jupiter, FL and came back on 2 days rest and hit 93,” said Ryan.  Then the scouts really began talking to me.  I received a letter from every major league team except for the Giants.”

Ryan’s thoughts began to turn away from Clemson and onto professional baseball.

“I tried not to get my hopes up, I knew I had Clemson as an option, but the questions of pro baseball began to arise.  What do I do? Am I ready for this? The more I thought about it, the more I knew I was ready.”

“My senior year arrived and the scouts were still calling. Coach Bagwell set up a hotline for the pro scouts to call and find out the days I would be pitching.  He was a big help during the entire process.”

Ryan posted great numbers his senior year for South Meck, 1.17 ERA, striking out 78 and allowing only 27 hits in 54 innings of work.

In talking with scouts and family advisors, Ryan felt like he would be a second or third round draft choice. Ryan was very clear in amount of money it would take from the pro teams for him to bypass Clemson.  His advisor, Dustin Bledsoe of Allegiant Management advised him to remain firm in every conversation with scouts and teams. 

Draft day finally arrived, Ryan was nervous but felt things would go his way.  The first three rounds came and his name had yet to be called. Entering round four the Indians called and said they wanted to pick him earlier, but couldn’t due to other commitments.  They quickly talked financial numbers and came to an agreement in principal. The Indians made the selection and the room full of friends and family began to celebrate.

Ryan signed his contract and received a $500,000 signing bonus.  The Indians sent him to Winter Haven, Florida for a summer of rookie league baseball.  Ryan pitched well enough to earn a promotion to Burlington, NC for the final few weeks of the season.

After a short visit home, Ryan was invited to Instructional League baseball.  A few weeks ago, that wrapped up and Ryan returned home.  Over the next three months he will work with youth players in the area as a Pitching Instructor at Frozen Ropes Training Center, just south of Ballantyne.

“I have learned so much in the last year. Baseball is now my full-time job and it’s hard work.  I am very lucky to have this opportunity.  My advice to baseball players in the area would be to listen to the people helping you. There is always something new you can learn.  I never gave up on my dream, despite many people telling me to. Don’t ever listen to those people and continue following your dream.

The South Charlotte Sports Report will continue to follow Ryan Morris and his path to Major League Baseball.  Ryan is someone area children can look up to, a good kid with a lot of talent and a very big dream.  Keep throwing the fastball Ryan!