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Jack Morris

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Jack Morris
Pitcher
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB Debut
July 26, 1977 for the Detroit Tigers
Final game
August 7, 1994 for the Cleveland Indians
Career Statistics
Record     254-186
ERA     3.90
Strikeouts     2478
Teams
Career Highlights and Awards

John Scott "Jack" Morris (born May 16, 1955 in St. Paul, Minnesota) is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career.

Morris was voted into the Top 10 for the Cy Young Award in 7 different seasons, but never won the award.

Contents

[edit] Controversy

Armed with a fastball, slider, and devastating split-finger pitch, Morris was a five-time All-Star (1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1991). However, his fiery competitive nature routinely got him into trouble with the media. He sometimes even refused to talk to reporters, and once infamously gave a would-be female scribe an explanation by telling her,

   
Jack Morris
 I don't talk to women unless they're on top of me or I'm on top of them.
   
Jack Morris
While with the Tigers, Morris also irked teammates and his manager, Sparky Anderson, with his childishness.

[edit] Wildness

His split-finger pitch was responsible for Morris leading the league in wild pitches on six separate occasions. His 206 wild pitches in his career rank eighth in baseball history.

[edit] Detroit Tigers

Morris attended Brigham Young University and was drafted by the Tigers in the fifth round of the 1976 draft. He broke into the Tigers' pitching rotation in 1979, posting a 17-7 record and a 3.29 ERA and establishing himself as the ace of the Detroit staff. Morris, along with shortstop Alan Trammell, second baseman Lou Whitaker, and manager Sparky Anderson, played a notable role in turning the Tigers into a contending team for most of the 1980s.

[edit] 1984

On April 7, 1984, Morris hurled a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, beginning what would be an excellent season for him. At the end of the 1984 campaign, he notched 19 wins and a 3.60 ERA, leading Detroit into the postseason. He scored a win over the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS, and added two more in the World Series against the San Diego Padres as the Tigers stormed to the World Championship.

[edit] 1987

In 1987, Morris racked up 21 wins, but was overshadowed by eventual Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens and his achievements with the Boston Red Sox. 1987 would again see the Tigers head to the postseason, but this time Morris' performance was below expectations as Detroit lost the ALCS to the eventual World Champion Minnesota Twins. Despite this loss, he would finish the 1980s as the winningest pitcher of the decade, with 162 wins.

[edit] Minnesota Twins

In 1991, Morris signed a one-year contract with his hometown Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed another great season, posting 18 wins as Minnesota faced the Atlanta Braves in the World Series. Morris started for the Twins three times, with his final outing being Game 7. In a postseason performance for the ages, the 36-year-old hurler threw 10 innings of shutout baseball against the Braves as the Twins won the World title on a 10th inning single by Gene Larkin that scored Dan Gladden. Morris was named the World Series MVP for his fantastic performance. He holds the records for most postseason wins by a Twin, with 4 acquired in 1991.

[edit] Toronto Blue Jays

Following the 1991 season, Morris signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He earned 21 wins for the second time in his career as the Blue Jays reached the 1992 World Series against the Braves. Despite his performance being subpar, he did win a third championship ring, as Toronto beat Atlanta in six games. He would win a fourth in 1993, as the Blue Jays repeated as World Champions, this time with a six-game victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

On Tuesday, April 6th, 1993, Morris set a major league record by making his 14th consecutive opening day start, an impressive achievement since he played on numerous title-contending teams and the opening day start is usually given to either the best pitcher in the rotation or the pitcher with the highest level of respect among the players and coaches.

[edit] Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds

He joined the Cleveland Indians in 1994, but left the team in August; after an abortive attempt at a final comeback with the Cincinnati Reds, Morris retired. In 1996, he made a brief return to professional baseball. This time playing with the Northern League St. Paul Saints.

[edit] Salary

Morris was the highest-paid pitcher in the American League on at least 4 occasions: 1987, 1988, 1991, and 1993, when he was 38 years old.

[edit] Hall of Fame consideration

Debate continues between baseball fans, sportswriters, and veterans as to whether Morris should be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Supporters point to his 162 wins in the 1980s - the most of any pitcher during that decade, his 4 World Series rings, and his no-hitter in 1984. Detractors point out that his career 3.90 ERA would be the highest of any starter in the HOF, he never won a Cy Young Award, and his career total of 254 wins falls short of the 300 win benchmark that has been used to measure success in the past. Since he became eligible, Morris has received the following percentage of Hall of Fame votes: 2000 - 22.24%; 2001 - 19.61%; 2002 - 20.55%; 2003 - 22.78%; 2004 - 26.28%; 2005 - 33.33%; 2006 - 41.15%.

[edit] Post-career activities

Morris has spent time as a color analyst for the Minnesota Twins, and as an occasional guest on Detroit Tigers broadcasts. He also spent time in Lakeland, Florida as a part-time coach for the Detroit Tigers during spring training.

Morris is known for his love of hunting and fishing, especially in his native Minnesota. He operates and endorses a line of "Jack Morris Signature Outfitters" and "Jack Morris Signature Lodges."

[edit] Awards and Highlights

  • 1981 - The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year
  • 1984 - Babe Ruth Award
  • 1991 - Babe Ruth Award
  • 1991 - World Series Most Valuable Player
  • All Star: 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1991
  • AL Wins Leader: 1981, 1992
  • AL Strikeouts Leader: 1983
  • AL Shutouts Leader: 1986
  • Hold the major league record for consecutive opening day starts, with 14 (1979-1993)

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Preceded by:
Rick Dempsey 		Babe Ruth Award
1984 		Succeeded by:
Bret Saberhagen
Preceded by:
Jose Rijo 		World Series MVP
1991 		Succeeded by:
Pat Borders
Preceded by:
Billy Hatcher 		Babe Ruth Award
1991 		Succeeded by:
Dave Winfield
Retrieved from "http://en.wikivisual.com/index.php/Jack_Morris"
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