1. Overview
Anthony Joseph Morris, born on December 1, 1986, is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds in 2016. His career included significant collegiate achievements, such as being named the 2009 Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Year while playing for the Kansas State Wildcats. Throughout his professional career, he was affiliated with several MLB organizations, including the Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds, navigating through draft selections, trades, and injuries before making his MLB debut. Morris also represented the Italy national baseball team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
2. Early Life and Education
Anthony Joseph Morris's foundational years and academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his future in professional baseball.
2.1. High School
Morris attended Humble High School in Humble, Texas. During his time there, he participated in early athletic activities that contributed to his development as a baseball player.
2.2. College
After graduating from high school, Morris was not selected in the Major League Baseball draft. He subsequently enrolled at Kansas State University, where he played college baseball for the Kansas State Wildcats for three seasons, from 2007 to 2009. His collegiate career was marked by notable achievements, culminating in him being named the 2009 Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Year, a significant recognition of his performance and skill at the collegiate level.
3. Professional Baseball Career
Anthony Joseph Morris's professional baseball journey spanned several years and multiple organizations, characterized by his progression through the minor league system, a significant MLB debut, and challenges including injuries.
3.1. Draft and Washington Nationals
Morris began his professional career when he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 4th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. Following his selection, he spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons within the Nationals' minor league system. During this period, he played for several of the Nationals' minor league affiliates, including the Gulf Coast Nationals, the Hagerstown Suns, and the Potomac Nationals, gaining experience and developing his skills at various levels of professional baseball.
3.2. Chicago Cubs
On January 17, 2011, Morris was part of a significant trade, moving from the Washington Nationals to the Chicago Cubs. This trade involved Morris, along with Michael Burgess and Graham Hicks, being sent to the Cubs in exchange for pitcher Tom Gorzelanny. Unfortunately, Morris's first season with the Cubs organization, 2011, was cut short due to an elbow injury that necessitated surgery, causing him to miss the entire season. He returned to play in 2012 for the Daytona Cubs and continued his tenure in the Cubs' minor league system in 2013, playing for the Tennessee Smokies.
3.3. Pittsburgh Pirates
Morris's career continued its progression when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the minor league portion of the 2013 Rule 5 draft. He spent the 2014 season splitting his time across multiple Pirates minor league affiliates, including the GCL Pirates, the Bradenton Marauders, the Altoona Curve, and the Indianapolis Indians. He then spent the entirety of the 2015 season with the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, further refining his abilities and working towards a potential Major League call-up.
3.4. Cincinnati Reds
On December 27, 2015, Anthony Joseph Morris signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization. His efforts culminated on May 22, 2016, when he was selected to the Reds' 40-man roster and received his first promotion to the major leagues. He made his highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut on May 24, 2016. During his time with the Reds in 2016, Morris made 7 appearances, pitching a total of 10 innings and recording 9 strikeouts, though he struggled with a 6.30 ERA. On June 16, he was placed on the disabled list due to a right shoulder strain. Upon his activation from the disabled list on August 31, Morris was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Louisville Bats. Following the conclusion of the season, he elected free agency on November 7, 2016.
4. International Competition Career
Anthony Joseph Morris extended his baseball career to the international stage, representing his heritage in a prestigious global tournament. He played for the Italy national baseball team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his pitching skills on an international platform.