Now that the semester is in full swing I figured it was time for another entry. We are already four weeks into classes at West Point and over two weeks into our fall season. This is always a difficult time for college baseball players because there are no official NCAA games and no tournaments. It is a time to work on the little things, earn spots in the starting roster, and get to know the younger guys on the team. I personally welcome the fall for two reasons. One, it is the best time to begin coming together as a team as the foundation for the spring is being laid. Two, it provides an opportunity for guys to compete for a starting spot and show what they have been working on in the offseason. Overall, the fall can be taken as a time-filler or a productive period of growth and improvement.
For this series of my College Baseball Daily Journal, I decided to provide you all with something special. My good friend and teammate from Charlotte, North Carolina, Preston Morrison has shared some of experiences and advice on his baseball career and how he made it to where he is today. Preston is a senior pitcher for Texas Christian University (TCU). His career honors and accolades could go on for days, but his most notable awards are 2012 Mountain West Freshman of the Year, 2012 Mountain West Pitcher of the Year, 2013 First Team All-Big 12, 2014 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, and so on. It is safe to say that Preston has had a college experience on the field second to none. Most recently, Preston and the Horned Frogs made a trip to Omaha. I asked Preston to share some of his thoughts on his experience and path to where he is today and will share it with you today.
Growing up, few thought you would play major-college baseball. How did you first get noticed and what were your biggest keys in getting to TCU?
It was just pure luck that I got to TCU. In the East Cobb WWBA tournament before my senior year, I started two games. I ended up pitching against two teams from Texas that TCU coaches were following. I kept in touch with Coach Schlossnagle and Coach Mazey (current WVU head coach) for the rest of the summer. I came down for a camp and checked out the school soon after. I received an offer to walk on and accepted as it was the only offer I had.
When you were younger in high school and played for On Deck Academy, a travel baseball program in Charlotte, you began on the C-team and worked your way up to the A-team. What were your biggest motivations and factors that earned you a spot with the A-team?
I just loved the game and really found myself as a ballplayer. When I was on the lower team I was a pitcher and a position player. The coaches at On Deck convinced me to focus on being a pitcher. I realized that I didn’t need to try to be a velocity guy and that my movement, location, and changing speeds would do the job.
Your velocity is not anything overpowering being in the 80s, but you are successful. How are you able to get out there and command like you do?
For me it’s all about going out there and making quality pitches. I’ve never thrown hard so I have always had to go out and throw the ball at the knees, mix speeds, and take the corners. I know who I am as a pitcher and I pride myself on my bread and butter. Another thing is that mentally I am ready and focused on every pitch. It may seem strange but I have noticed that over the course of a game, a starter who throws 90 pitches will take a handful of pitches off mentally and make a mistake. And hitters love mistakes. I’m not saying I don’t make mistakes, but I try to limit that and make my mistakes small. I’ve also had great defenses behind me. I’m confident in every glove behind me (and the one in front of me!) to make all the plays that need to be made.
It’s the dream of every college baseball play to play in Omaha. How was your CWS run?
I don’t think I’ve had as much fun with a team as I did with the 2014 Frogs. That winning streak we had was surreal, we felt like we couldn’t lose. We played close games but our pitching staff had such a swagger that I was never worried. There was such an energy in and around the team that was palpable and it was truly a remarkable season.
Playing for TCU has been a thrill so far, but you also were able to represent the United States over the summer for the USA National Collegiate Baseball Team. How was that experience and what was your favorite part about playing for the USA Team?
It was an awesome experience. To be considered one of the top players in the country and worthy to represent my country is something really special to me. The guys I got to play with were awesome. Off the field, they were fun to hang around with and on the field they were top class. Also most of my family does not get a chance to see my games much and we spent quite a bunch of time in NC and SC playing Coastal Plains teams. It was great to be able to have them out to see me play. The trip to Japan was a great cultural experience for me. I had the time of my life, and I was blessed to spend it with 5 other Frogs!
As an All-American, what is the best advice you can give to aspiring baseball players who want to be in your shoes one day?
I think the key is in our program’s core covenants: Selflessness, Energy, Excellence (S.E.E.). If you try to be as good as you can be in all those areas in every area of your life (baseball, training, community, classroom) then that’s a huge part of it. I think another thing is to learn and get better everyday. There is no staying the same in life. If you want success, then go prepare for it!
Speaking from experience, it was always remarkable playing in the infield behind Preston. We knew that every game would last at the most, about one hour (7 inning games) and that he would go all seven. He did not get the looks from common Carolina schools such as UNC, Clemson, and NC State but found his way at TCU and has been very successful there. It was a privilege to play with Preston as he embodies every bit of what it means to be a great teammate. He plays the game right and does it for the right reasons. He is in it for the team first and foremost. Being a team-first kind of guy is a trait that everyone should strive to be. I want to thank Preston for taking the time to share his unique experiences and wish the best of luck to all beginning their college baseball careers this fall and those returning. There is nothing better than representing your school and competing with your best friends out on that field.
“If you’re going to play at all, you’re out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose.”
-Derek Jeter
-AJ
