Anna Wolfe
Staff Writer
Raider pitcher Elliot Morris, who started playing baseball once he became old enough to join t-ball, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft on June 7th. He is the fifth player from Pierce ever drafted and the best pick at 127th overall.
Morris said he was coached by his father at an early age, making baseball a significant part of his life.
“(Baseball is) really important. I’ve been playing since I was a kid, so it’s really just a part of me now.”
Two years ago Morris was set back by an injury to his elbow. A torn ligament caused him to sit out for a year.
“I had to come back last year kind of at half-speed. This year was like my first year back,” he said.
Raider coach, Kevin Davis, said he saw a change in Morris after he got injured.
“He couldn’t throw at the time, and to keep his body in shape he just started running and lifting weights – just that dedication, that determination that he had to come back stronger,” Davis said.
Overcoming this obstacle Morris found success, winning Pierce College’s 2013 Athlete of the Year. Morris said he considers this award one of his greatest athletic achievements.
Davis said Morris was a motivator to the Raider team, leading by example. His strong ability, according to Davis, set the bar high for the other players.
“It pushed our other pitchers to be better just because of his natural talent.”
Morris said he was watching the draft with his mom on the Internet when his name came up.
“She started crying. I gave her a big hug.”
Morris said he will be leaving Monday to begin his career as a professional athlete. He said he looks forward most to meeting different people and having the opportunity to travel and play baseball at the same time.
