About Me
Morgan Ensberg is typing this so as not to use a “first person” voice. Apparently this style of writing is better for the reader. However, “I” am not a writer and don’t have the ability to keep that voice…so, back to first person.
Here is the short of it. Walked-on to USC. Was on the 1998 National Championship team. Got drafted as a Senior in the 9th round in 1998. Played on a team that won the NY/Penn League, Florida St League, Texas League, and PCL Championships. Played 7 years with the Astros where we went to the World Series in 2005. Back doored my way into an All Star game and Silver Slugger Award. Finished 4th in MVP voting and get this…. I didn’t take steroids. I’m all Norwegian baby.
Now I am a coach in the Astros Minor League system. I hate that the Astros stink and will do anything to help them get back to winning. I’m willing to get fired for the good of the kids. I’m hard on the players and don’t give them a single inch. My days are done and I’m going to do everything I can to help these kids get to the Big Leagues.
I’m a better dancer than Adam Everett. Follow me on Twitter @MorganEnsberg or don’t.
Morgan Ensberg's Baseball IQ 
Hey thats what I always tell people. That I peaked in my majors at Clark Stadium and it was a slippery slope after that. Good luck w/ this bro. My dad will love this big time.
You were quite a pitcher. Clark Stadium for life.
Did you use PED’s and did you see others using them? A simple yes or no will not do… good luck in broadcasting yo. Oh ya, go Dodgers!
Stuart I am pumped up that you asked me that! I didn’t use steroids or anything else that helped build muscle.
The only thing I saw in the clubhouse was “greenies” which I have done about 10 times. Greenies are basically “uppers” and they didn’t do anything to me. I am not sure if that is a good thing.
I drink a ton of coffee and would drink something like 2 redbulls before a game if I felt sluggish.
I always use this analogy. In Hermosa Beach, where I grew up, there were a bunch of kids who smoked weed. I was asked if I wanted to smoke, but I said no and that was the end of it.
I eventually smoked in college about 30 times and I liked it. But I noticed that it made me eat a lot and I didn’t need any help in that department.
Back to the point, I didn’t smoke so I wasn’t in “that club”. If you are not in the group then you have no idea what guys are doing it. The same thing happened in college with cocaine. I have never done cocaine, but some of my buddies did and I had no idea. I just thought that they were really hyper.
My opinion is this. I can’t fault anyone for doing steroids because they are trying to do everything they can to get to the big leagues. I played in the Dominican and Venezuela and nothing you say will change my opinion on a guy making a decision to feed his family. This isn’t apples and apples.
I don’t even think that those guys who did do steroids pushed me out of the game. I had the ability to play the game at the highest level and that is really cool to me.
Finally…A Morgan Ensberg blog!!!!! Been waiting my entire life for this!!!
Well it is here now Big Guy. Don’t be afraid to make a comment!
Hi Morgan,
This is pretty cool. I’ll pass it on to our athletes at CSUSM.
Thanks Ramiro! I hope that this can be a place that people can ask questions about baseball. Talk to you soon!
Morgan
Mo, Your site is fantastic! We met several years ago (with Fletcher)when you, Adam, Brad and Bully were all driving our cars. Your close friend Bryan is my boss here in Katy, and I ask about you all the time. I loved to watch you play the hot corner, and will never forgt the 36 yard balls in ’05. What a season for you. I wish you were still here, but I am extremely happy that the broadcast gig is working well for you. Bryan said you are working a few SC games. That’s great! Huge fan! Take care, good luck, and God Bless you.
Hey Bill I am glad you like it. If there is something you would like to know about the game or something that you think can make this blog better please let me know!
Morgan
Yo Dude!
I think it would be helpful for players and coaches alike, to know your thought on work ethic. Playing at the highest level is difficult; but so is high school for teenagers and college for young adults. If you have not been blessed with superior talent like most people, I believe, and I think you believe, that work ethic is the great equalizer. In short, maybe some examples of your training schedule, time allocation and mental process during training would be helpful.
I think a quote illustrating my point is appropriate. . .
“In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face. For some, shyness might be their El Guapo. For others, a lack of education might be their El Guapo. For us, El Guapo is a big, dangerous man who wants to kill us. But as sure as my name is Lucky Day, the people of Santa Poco can conquer their own personal El Guapo, who also happens to be *the actual* El Guapo! ” – Lucky Day
This is a great point! I am going to think about this for a little bit and make it a Big Post. Those are the points that really help me understand what fans want to know. Thanks for that!
The El Guapo quote is a really nice touch.
Morgan
Morgan,
I just wanted to say how excited I was to hear about your blog in a post by Alyson Footer. You were one of my favorite Astros, and it was a pleasure to watch somebody who played the game the right way with such class. I felt terrible to see your career in Houston end without you receiving all the proper respect you deserved.
I look forward to reading your posts which I can already tell are going to be honest and insightful, two things that are harder and harder to find in baseball analysis.
One topic I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts on is the importance of plate discipline, one of your greatest strengths as a player, and whether this is a skill that a player can develop over time if they work hard enough at it.
Morgan,
My boys are 18,21, and 25 now but when you were with the Astros you gave us some GREAT moments of bonding over baseball. We have often wondered about you and loved watching you. God Bless you and thanks for the good times!
No problem Jan. I think it is so cool that you have great memories with your boys at the ball game. Sounds like a movie!
Morgan
WOW! I’m so glad you made this blog. I had been wondering how you were doing (I am a huge astros fan and subsequently became a big fan of yours while you were here. even met you a couple of times).
I want to wish you the best of luck in your broadcasting career!
I just started reading your posts but so far I love your sincere and raw honesty and insight. Thank you for all the years you spent with the Astros- I know it was difficult toward the end but you still have LOTS of fans here.
Keep up the great work!
Miss you, Morgan! I was probably your first and biggest fan in Houston! I took lots of negative comments because of my devote “fanship”, but defended you the whole time. I was heart broken when you were traded and continued to follow you to the end – all the way to Buffalo! So glad to see you back in the swing, so to speak. Wish you tons of luck and a long career in broadcasting!
Thanks Mallary. I am impressed that you were able to take all of that “heat”. You are a toughy! It does me a lot that you stuck up for me…I know that must have been hard.
Is there anything you would like me to cover on this blog?
Morgan
Do you support Pete Munro pitching in last game of the World Series? I mean the guy was a nobody before the year, and since hasn’t been anything either. You had an awesome year that one year, but fell off after. The booing on opening game against the Giants was very strong until Bonds hit that HR on a line over the fence off Oswalt on Opening day a few years ago. Gotta focus that energy toward good.
Justin this is exactly the questions that I love. Pete Munro was pitching because it was his turn to pitch. There is so much to consider when setting the pitching lineup. The fact of the matter is that we were unable to score runs in the World Series. Our pitching was great and we had the closest run differential in World Series history.
Barry Bonds may be able to handle the boos, but he wasn’t booed at his home stadium. When I got booed consistently by our own fans it really hurt me. My focus became trying to “not get booed” vs playing the game. I am an Astro….I was drafted by them, came through their minor league system, made the big league team, became an All Star and MVP candidate and the fans really were supportive. I felt like I was as close as a California surf kid could get to being excepted by Texans. Those fans were family to me and when they booed it hurt and I didn’t know how to handle it.
I am thankful that I got to experience that “heat” because I think it will help during my broadcasts.
Good question Justin,
Morgan
Stay with the blog, Alyson Footer gave ya a good plug on Facebook. So the subscribers will be hungry for more information and posts. My friend actually owned the house that ya’ll rented out in Kissimie a few years ago after that evil excusion. His name is Jeff and he lives there now, but was from New York at the time. God bless bro!
Thanks Justin. My goal with this blog is to be accessible. If you have any questions or would like me to comment on something please let me know.
Morgan
Morgan,
I’m so excited to see your blog and to see that you are positive and energized about the next step in your career. I have to tell you, I have a memory of you that will stick with me for a long time.
I forget what season and game it was… maybe ’05? My stepson, Caleb, and I were hanging out at the back of Minute Maid after a game one evening waiting for the players to roll out. Another dad and his son were standing next to us waiting for an autograph. You rolled up and were signing a few things when the kid and his dad next to us asked, “hey Morgan, can we get a ride to our car?”. To my surprise, you said “where are you parked?”. They were down by Kim Son, so you said, “sure hop in”.
It would have been just as easy for you to ignore him and drive off like most other players would have done. You went the distance, and in doing so, probably gave that kid a memory he will never forget. I know you gave me and my son a great memory! We talked about that the whole way home that night.
Kids (and some parents too) idolize ball players. You guys have taken every boy’s childhood dream as far as it can go. It’s nice to know that a few players can stay grounded throughout all that.
Caleb started playing high school ball this year in Tomball. All I can do is hope he takes some of those same qualities that he has admired in you and a few other players along with him for the ride.
I was disappointed to see you leave the ‘stros. You were a part of my favorite Astros infield of all time — Bagwell, Biggio, Everett, Ensberg, Ausmus. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Thanks for the memories! I wish you the best of luck in your broadcasting career. We’ll be rootin’ for you!
I remember that! One of the most difficult parts of being a professional is that people like you based on your performance. I have always been a guy that likes to get to know people. Case in point….I think Milton Bradley is a great guy. When I was traded to SD I got to get to know him and he was a guy who just needed proof that you were a friend regardless of how he performed. He and I got along great and he was a great teammate in SD.
Tell Caleb that I hope he has a great year. Remind him that baseball is fun and the only aspect he should concentrate on is effort. Send me some box scores if you get them.
Morgan
hi morgan!!!
i’m glad you are writing this blog.
i’m sorry that things went downhill for you after you hurt your shoulder back in 06. did you originally keep changing your stance because your shoulder hurt? after you came back off the DL, it seemed to me that – how can i put this – that your reaction time to the pitch was off, no matter what the stance.
which reminds me – you always had great strike zone judgement. was this something that you were taught in the minors? i notice that very few astros minor leaguers (or major leaguers, but we won’t go there) can resist swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. would you please give your opinion on swinging at pitches out of the strike zone and how easy is it to either foul them off or put them in play.
your fan,
lisa
Thanks for those words Lisa. Let’s start with the first question. Deciding to play injured was the dumbest decision I made in my career. Tim Purpura and Phil Garner sat me down in Phil’s office and asked me if I wanted to go onto the DL. I said, “I don’t believe this is a DL type situation”. They trusted me and said ok. Here was my thinking. Our teams always struggled to hit. My teammates kept coming up to me and saying that we rather have a 50% Morgan in the lineup because you get on–base. We were taking a ton of “heat” from the fans and media so I tried to play. Stupid. I took 2 cortisone shots and 30 days worth of pain pills.
Queston 2: Yes I changed my stance and hands to a location that was the least painful at the time. That was stupid.
Question 3: My entire life I have walked. Ironically I don’t really believe in trying to “get a walk”. I have no idea how you can do that. Walks are bi–products of good at–bats, not a strategy to get on base. I walked a lot because I wasn’t ready to hit. That is why I didn’t swing at some of the pitches that were over the outside corner.
I’m so happy that Alyson posted the link to your blog! I’ve followed you and Jason Lane from your USC days, and was heartbroken when y’all were sent off. I even supported y’all when y’all joined the Yankees–THAT was hard! 🙂 It was exciting to hear your voice doing some of the college games I found on TV-weren’t some of them College World Series games?
I’ll quit rambling, and just say best of luck with the blog and the broadcasting career!
Thanks Sarah. I hope you will get a chance to tell me what you would like to see on this blog.
Morgan
Morgan,
I am a member of the Texas Gamma chapter of Phi Delta Theta, and one of our idiot pledges is convinced that Ryne Sandberg was a better baseball player than Craig Biggio. Please confirm or deny this debauchery, and feel free to come by and personally give him your insights.
Brother in the Bond. This is a really tough one because they are 2 different type players. I think Biggio was a better player, but Sandberg has an amazing amount of rewards. Ask the pledge who the 6 founding fathers are. Then ask him to name 5 famous phi’s. If he doesn’t say Detlef Schrempf then he doesn’t know what he is talking about.
Morgan
Morgan,
Great seeing the blog come up. I always enjoy getting a “behind-the-scenes” feel from big-leaguers. I don’t have any questions at the moment, but as the Astros start rolling into the season I’m sure they’ll develop and you’ll be one of the first to know. Probably something along the line of “Why is it so difficult for some players to lay off the slider when they know they have problems hitting it? (ie, Hunter Pence)”. All the best in the broadcast world…
Brad
Morgan,
Another Astros fan coming via Footer’s plug to you. I’ve always wanted to pick the brain of a real MLB player, and you happen to be a former All Star so thats perfect. First, I just want to say its so difficult to get autographs from most players but you were one of the exceptions, thank you for being down to earth.
Did you ever take heat from teammates or coaches during your struggles? Do opposing pitchers talk to you during or after an at-bat? Who was your favorite/least favorite pitcher to face? Favorite/least favorite road city to visit? Whats your most memorable moment in your career that is something only you would know about (walk-offs, post season & all star don’t count)?
I was sad to see you go, I kept tabs on your career, especially last year I was hoping you’d make your way back to Houston on a minor league invitation to compete for the 3B spot that was up for grabs. I wish you the best of luck in your post-playing career, thanks for being a class act.
Here you go Drew…I never took heat from teammates or coaches. I never want to face John Smoltz ever. Favorite city is NYC. My most memorable moment of my career was stealing home in the 1998 College World Series. That was fun!
Thanks. Nice blog, Morgan.
Morgan, I was a big fan when you were coming up for Fantasy reasons. I remember many fantasy sites and blogs at the time had “Free Morgan Ensberg” columns and postings because you were blocked from a full time position.
How did that make you feel that even though you weren’t seeing a lot of MLB playing time, people still cared to see what you would produce?
Well Ken I didn’t know that. We don’t pay any attention what fantasy reports say. It does make me feel good now that I have heard that.
Morgan
Morgan thanks for doing this. As a Twins fan (sorry) I had always hoped that you would have came up here after Cory Koskie went to Toronto. What is your “offical” explanation for why there are so few solid 3B prospects coming up in anyone’s minor league system? Is it just the rigors of the position?
I always wanted to play for the Twins because my dad was born there and I am Norwegian. As for third base prospects, the reason is because teams don’t place emphasis on them in their draft structures. Teams love looking at a prospect and projecting them to be a “corner infielder” even though they play short stop in high school or college. This is inefficient. You will have a handful of cases where this works out, but third base is difficult because of the “reads” and decisions you have to make.
GM’s and decision makers love to make their jobs harder and it surprises me that they want to take on these projects with no real method to accurately predict if a player will find success there. I think they say, “let’s try it” and then explain to the kid that his only chance of getting to the big leagues is as a “insert position”. You want to see a team that know what they are doing then watch the Rays. They don’t fight the game. They select players according to needs.
Morgan
Morgan,
Awesome stuff; and you are jsut getting started! Best of luck with everything. One thing that I think alot of us would like to read about as the season goes on is the behind-the-scenes stuff. What ball park sucks? Whats the best city to have a four day series in? What really happens on the team plane? Maybe even some stories (with names protected if need be!) from your travels. That kind of iside access stuff.
Fred these are great suggestions. My passion is teaching the game, but I understand that the human element is fun to hear about. I can tell you one thing….the worst ball park by far is Wrigley. Of course I love Chicago. The worst design is Miller Park. There are so many shadows that I just wonder what they were thinking when they designed it.
Morgan
Morgan, so good to hear what you’re up to. I so enjoyed watching you play for the Astros and you were always one of my favs, although you seemed to be testy about anyone calling you “Mo”.
Good luck in broadcasting!
I had never been called Mo until I got to proball. In the beginning I didn’t like it at all and I am embarrassed that you remember that. But I LOVE it now. It just took some time.
Morgan
Morgan I’m really excited about this blog. You always struck me as a really thoughtful and analytical guy. As an Astros fan I really hated to see how it went downhill for you in Houston. I hated the way some of the fans turned on you.
Another thing that always bugged was how Jimy Williams didn’t play you more in 2003. The Astros only finished a game behind the Cubs that year and with more plate appearances from you – well – who knows. Was that frustrating for you? Were there any issues between you and Jimy?
I loved Jimy Williams and attribute 100% of my success that year to him. Jimy cares about players deeply. He protects players from fans and the media and I would run through a wall for him. He taught me how a manager should communicate with a player. After every game, Jimy would have Gen Lamont come up to me or Geoff Blum and tell us who would be starting the next day. That allowed the one of us to focus and the other to relax.
Here is a good rule of thumb….if the fans hate the manager then the players love him because he is shielding the players from as much “heat” as he can.
Morgan
Thanks for the insight on Jimy. I still think he should have played you more and Blum less, but that ship sailed ages.
On a side note, it really is tough to be Astros fan these days. The organization has really gone downhill in the last 3 years.
Morgan,
Just wanted to take a moment to say that I absolutely LOVE how your mobile blog integrates with the iPhone! Have you considered creating a free iPhone App for the blog?
Well Jarrod I haven’t thought about that until now. Maybe I will read a book on programming. Great advice dude.
Morgan
Don’t be embarrassed! But I NEVER called you that again! What part of the country are you living in now?
Big Mo!!! I also took a lot of heat for being a fan of yours while you were in Houston. I was devastated when you were let go. I never doubted you even when your stance changed time and again…I always thought you’d get the big hit. I had no idea you were dealing with the “Boo Birds” in your head. I wanted to know what you would tell a kid who is in the midst of changing allegiance to another team because the Astros as he would put it “never win”. He’s only six but can name the enire team and loves Hunter Pence.
I would tell your child that sports are for fun and if he is really down that the Astros are losing then he may be taking this too seriously. Root for whomever you like and make sure that the game is fun! Did that help?
Morgan
I am glad to hear from you. Allison Footer is the reason i know about this blog. But, I do have a question. I was at a Astros home game that you played at where you hurt your arm, I think it was sliding home or something. But it seemed to me that you never got back to where you were the year before when you got hurt, do you think that injury had anything to do with your hitting. Before that you were popping home runs like crazy and after I don’t know i just thought you might be hurt more than they were letting you. Thank you for the blog and I look forward to hearing more.
Crysta your observation is correct. I was trying to “quick fix” my swing when I should have gone on the DL. It was a stupid decision that I made, but I have learned from that. I am happy that I went through that because I learned a lot.
Morgan
Morgan,
Thanks for your response on the 3B prosepect question. I had no idea that you had any connection to Minnesota.
What I noticed while playing the game, up through Town ball and Senior (35 yrs +) Amatuer here in Minnesota, was that guys actually wanting to play 3B were sort of lumped in with catchers (like me). Sort of saying a differnt combination of attitude and physical skills are necessary to really enjoy playing those positions. Did you ever feel that way? Did you have aspirations to play different positions, or did it just feel right being there at third?
Morgan,
Congratulations on a great career. I enjoyed watching you play. I doubt you’ll remember this, but I saw you during Spring Training when you were with the Yankees and you guys were in Clearwater playing the Phillies. I was sitting behind the Yankee dugout and I called you and said “good luck” – black man, gray goatie wearing a Minor League Baseball hat. I work at MiLB. Anyway, good luck with the broadcasting career. If you’re in Clearwater this year for Spring Training at all, I’ll buy you a beer at Frenchies – the Tiki Bar in left field at Bright House Networks Field.
Thanks Darryl! I will take you up on that offer if I get out there.
Morgan
What up Morgan? Josh Estes here. Man i sure do miss ya playing baseball, but i understand. We met on numerous occasions along the 1st base line before games and at autograph appearances. You sent me a handwritten personal letter after i found out you were into Christian Hip Hop and i sent you some CD’s. I just found your site through following Brian McTaggart on Twitter. Hope all is well with you and your family. I was always impressed with how you were on and off the field with your faith. If you are ever in Houston let me know. I appreciate all the kindness you showed over your Baseball career.
Thanks again and Keep The Faith!
Josh Estes
Thanks Josh. What do you think would make this blog better?
Morgan
Morgan….I’m so glad to see you’re doing ok! I followed you, when
you left the Astros. Having you on the team just made it better!
Thank you so much for the great memories of the 2005 WS!!! What
a ride that was! Alyson Footer had your blog address on her web
site, and that’s how we all found you. Best of luck in your new
life after baseball. Fondly, Becky Bearden
Thanks Becky. That WS was a dogfight!
Morgan
Morgan we really do miss ya. you, Adam Everrett and Jason Lane were the best. 🙂
Thanks Laura.
Morgan
Morgan,
Here’s your stat line against John Smoltz:
In 2003 you were 0 for 1 (strikeout)
In 2004 you were 1 for 3 (a triple, 1 strikeout)
In the 2004 NLDS you were 0-1 with 1 walk
In 2005 you were 0-2 (1 strikeout) and 0-3 against him in the NLDS
You never faced him in 2006/2007, but he might’ve eaten you up in spring training too. At least you can say you got a triple & a walk off of him, but yeah he had you number.
Morgan-
I have a suspicion as you move up the ranks of broadcasting this blog will become less candid and more sterile. I understand that. BUT, until then, I’m going to enjoy this ride, quite a bit. You are fresh beyond words.
I really hope that doesn’t happen Clayton. Let me know if you think that is starting. Cool?
Morgan
Morgan, I found out about your blog from Alyson Footer’s blog. I am an Astros fan and really loved watching you play third and still miss you. This question you may not want to answer, but I’ll ask it anyway just in case. During your time with the Astros, who was the nicest player. Doesn’t necessarily have to be who your best friend was, but who was the truly nicest player you played with there. I wish you the very very best of luck with your new career! Thanks for the great memories.
Joe, the nicest player is either Adam Everett or Geoff Blum. I am proud to say that they are 2 of my best friends.
Morgan
I am 13 and i have played about 9 years from tee ball on, but i always have long breaks between seasons because of family troubles. so i wanted to know if you knew of any catching drills i can do with this bounce back thing i bought so the ball will come back.
PS:do you still keep in touch with lance,biggio, and oswalt. And by the way no hard feelings after going 3 for 4 the first game after being traded to the padres.
Hey Morgan
I’d like to know how much time you guys devoted to picking up another teams signs. Wether it was picking the catchers signs, third base coaches signs or a bench coach. Or were there certain teammates that had a knack for it and you left it to them? And I assume pitchers and catchers were the most likely to get really pissed about it if a runner is relaying signs to a batter. And as a batter did you personally want that info or did you prefer to just rely on your studying and past experience w/ a pitcher?
Other teams signs are really hard because there are too many variables at stake. Signs are the ultimate irony. MLB managers make them super easy so that they can be changed in case a guy gets traded to another team. But that simplicity causes us to forget what the new sign might be. Players as a whole are very bad with signs.
As for signs at second, we don’t care if the other teams pitcher or catcher is mad. It is their job to protect their signs and if they are being sloppy then we are simply taking what they are giving.
For the record, I never got a sign from second in the Big Leagues. I gave signs at second all the time.
Morgan
Morgan,
I found this blog via an Astros fan site I read quite often. This is fantastic stuff. I really enjoyed watching you play and the playoff runs you guys made in 2004 and 2005 were exhilarating and exhausting. Some topics I hope you cover on this blog:
1) What do you look for when you are batting? Are you looking at the position of the players? Pitcher’s position? Pitcher’s windup? Release Point? Rotation of the ball? Count? Or is it as simple as see ball hit ball?
2) What causes a team to get on a winning streak? In 2004 and 2005, the Astros played amazing baseball late in the season. Is it a feeling you guys had? Were the other teams just tired?
3) What impact did the media have on the players? Did you hang out with any of the beat writers or broadcasters? Anyone you particularly liked or disliked.
Hey Mike! My view on the Lidge/Pujols is not what you think. The other suggestions are great. I definitely want to comment on your other questions at some point. Keep the suggestions coming. Heck, maybe we can figure out a way for you guys to navigate this blog through polls. I don’t know. What do you think?
Morgan
Hey Morgan, I saw your post on FaceBook and checked out your blog. This is great!!! I will pass this on to my boys. They ask me about you all the time. We miss you! Tell your family hello for me.
Great to hear from you Elaine! I hope you like it.
Morgan
Morgan…you ever think of coaching at some level of the game?
I would love to.
Morgan
Mr Ensberg,
This may be off the subject of the other post’s, but what do you think was your best season and with who?
Thanks,
Josh
Josh my best season was 2005. What was your best season?
Morgan
Mo!
First off, always a fan! Been watching you since ’98 and a little before with that crazy College World Series game but just wanted to say thanks for the memories and good luck on the post baseball life.
Always thought you played the game the right way and was really fun to watch you play here in Houston, especially in ’05. My dad always remembers you saying that you don’t think about hitting you just swing as hard as you can (he is 995 sure you were joking but he still says it anyway haha).
Good luck on your post MLB career and life and I look forward to the blog and thinking up questions. Thanks for all the memories and hopefully all the new stories.
Jay
Thanks Jay, My goal for this blog is to teach the game. Baseball is a lot more fun to watch when you know what is going on out there. What would you like me to talk about?
Morgan
Morgan:
Hope sometime you can post some action type photos of you in playing days in uniform with Astros and Padres and even one recent in “civies” on this site.
Joe
Hi Morgan, I just wanted to let you know i almost cried when you left the Astros, I was sooooo disappointed…I thought you were the best….The first Astros shirt I bought had your name on it….I still wear it proudly!!!!….I’m happy you have this blog, now I can keep up with you….I didnt know you were booed in Houston…If i had been at that game I would have been screaming for them to SHUT UP….probably wouldnt have heard me but I’d have let the steam off….hope all is going well for you…..Take care Mo.
Thanks Donna! I know it was tough, but I really do appreciate your support. I have this opinion that women would love the game so much more if there was a place they could come to learn about the game. That is what I hope happens here. Have a good one.
Morgan
we would love the game even MORE if we were allowed to play it as our grandmothers and and their mothers did before them.
but why not start with what YOU think the fundamentals are
Tru dat Lisa!!
Morgan
Hey Morgan!
A fellow Seahawk here (’91). I was thrilled when I saw that you had come to play for Houston. You were a great contributor to some of their best years, especially the World Series! I was at that 18-inning NLDS game and it is still one of the best times of my life. I was sorry to see you go, but glad you found a way to stay connected to MLB and your fans. This site is awesome! It’s gonna be great getting the “inside scoop” on the goings-on in baseball.
Looking forward to more great discussions!
SEAHAWKS! HIgh school mascots rule. I am really glad that you found this site. Hopefully you will get a chance to see what I see out there. Does your family still live in the South Bay?
Morgan
I still have a sister in Redondo Beach, but I am a Texas girl now. I lived in Houston for 15 years, and just moved to Round Rock (already have my season tix for the Express!)
I look forward to getting your perspective on the game!
Cool. I will be doing a game at UT in a couple months. Keep checking in.
Morgan
Morgan,
I have a touchy question only because, in my opinion, asking someone about their friends/peers always brings an awkwardness. We as fans look at players as role models, commodities, heroes and entertainment while to you players are your friends, family and colleagues.
However I recently got into a heated discussion about how some players seem to forget that the fans are just as important to the game as they are. We could go in so many directions about Tiger Woods or Vick or steroids but boil it down and the heart of all those arguments is do we feel that the players are hurting the game more than they are helping it. The actions of the players both on the field and off affect the fans in ways that cannot be instantly felt or assessed. In baseball right now the steroids/HGH issue is the big one.
I’m sure you are going to blog about this at some point (no baseball blog would be complete without an opinion on this… I say that with a heavy heart)but in your honest opinion do you feel that the testing needs to be increased and made seriously more strict if for no other reason to appease the fans? I mean if we continue releasing names one by one(and sadly they all happen to be the greatest of our current generation) the fans are becoming seriously disillusioned and eventually that has to make an impact financially. Doesn’t it serve the players interest to make a change or is it so prevalent they can’t afford to do something?
Jay
This isn’t touchy Jay. You care. It matters to you and you want confirmation of these feats. Isn’t that what gets people so excited when someone can throw 100? Because that is AMAZING! My favorite “show” is Cirque du Soleil for that exact reason. Babe Ruth exists for this reason. Dude was AMAZING! Mantle…ran to first in 3.5 sec. Nolan throws 103 mph! Hank Aaron hit 755 Home Runs dude! You kidding me! That is amazing. Maury Wills stole 104 bases in ’64! Joe D! FIFTY SIX GAME HITTING STREAK and he follows that up by dating Marilyn Monroe! C’Mon! And the best player of them all was Willie Mays! I have a smile on my face right now just thinking about this stuff. These players were the real deal and it makes me feel great that it is possible for humans to accomplish seemingly impossible feats.
Jay, I don’t know what to do on this subject. The Players’ Union is arguing from a liberties standpoint. The only thing we know for sure is that this era will forever be questioned and that’s that.
If players agree to drug testing, they are giving up certain rights that protect you from having your employer knock on your door with a needle. You may answer, “I have nothing to hide” but you have to agree that the US is not supposed to work this way. Of course the “Truth will set you free” and sometimes you have to sacrifice your liberties for the greater good and I think that is what needs to be done in this case, but how far?
The problem is taking blood. The only way I see this working is having a “diabetes” type test that sticks your finger and sends that information to a lab. If it was a urine test then this wouldn’t be a problem. I weigh 225 lbs and I could play after giving a vile of blood, but some other guys weigh 60 lbs less and I don’t know how they react. I believe that we need to be tested, it just has to be decided how.
Morgan
Morgan,
Completely agree on the civil liberties and that there is no easy answer. I was absolutely oversimplifying and I really appreciate the honest answer. I heard once that Lance Armstrong has to tell the (insert governing drug testing body here) where he is on random occasions and they will just show up at 6am and take some blood. That has to be tough. Also 100% on the passion for the game. I got really lucky growing up to meet some of those guys (Mantle, Ernie Banks, Joe D and Mays included) and as I got older and realized what they were able to do in their prime it just blew me away and I wish I had been older when I got to meet them because the questions I would have had… Man.
On a lighter note, where are you doing your behind the mic work now? I see you are doing a UT game and as a Big XII grad myself (Baylor), I’m always listening to the games so will definitely check that out.
Jay
Cool Jay! I am trying to get more games in college or pro.
Morgan
What kind of broadcasting are you trying to transition into? Judging by the quality of your writing you could have a bright future in sports talk radio. I’m a big fan, let me know how to help!
To be honest, I just want to do anything. I have some more tv games with Fox and ESPNU, but that is it. I would love some advice on how to get into the business.
Morgan