College Baseball Daily continues our Q & A series with college baseball coaches across the country and today we are going to feature one of the winningest coaches in college baseball history.
The University of Miami’s legendary Head Coach, entering his 23rd season at the helm of one of the most storied programs in the country, Jim Morris.
Coach Morris ranks eighth on the all-time wins list and fourth amongst active Division I coaches with 1,485 career wins.
See what the Hurricane’s Head Coach has to say about his team’s upcoming season, what contributes to Miami’s success year after year, the new head coach of the Miami Hurricane football team and much more below.
TF: Miami is coming off a 50-16 record overall and a 22-8 mark in ACC play. Ultimately, a respectable season that ended a few games early in Omaha. What are your expectations for the upcoming 2015-2016 season?
JM: First I want to say going to Omaha is more than respectable. Most programs never see Omaha. Our goal is always to go to Omaha and get hot. We have won four times and it gets tougher and tougher.
TF: Being as storied as the Hurricane program is, you have become accustomed to losing guys to the MLB Draft. But, talk about how losing players like Andrew Suarez, David Thompson and George Iskenderian impacts a program.
JM: These guys were special for us and it’s hard to replace guys like them. Collins, Hayward, and Abreu, among others have to step up in order for us to be amongst the top teams in the nation, again.
TF: I have to ask about Second Team All – American and 2015 First – Team ACC selection, Zach Collins. What expectations do you have for him this season?
JM: I expect Collins to have a great season. I think he is one of the better hitters in the country and defensively he is getting better and really becoming a solid, well – rounded catcher.
TF: Have any of the incoming freshmen or transfers impressed you during Fall workouts? Do you expect any of them to break into the starting lineup/rotation this spring?
JM: Romy Gonzalez (Freshman infielder from American Senior HS) and Randy Batista (Jr. infield and transfer from Indian River State College) both had very good Fall seasons and have a chance to start in the spring. Andy Cabezas (Freshmen RHP from Coral Gables Senior HS) had a very good Fall and we expect him to be in the rotation.
TF: Coming into your 23rd season as Head Coach you have seen many changes in college baseball, what have you done to stay up to date and ahead of the pack at a school like Miami?
JM: Along with having outstanding coaches, you just have to continue to work hard, observe, listen, and never stop learning.
TF: Who has been your biggest influence on your coaching philosophy or career?
JM: Easy answer, Coach Ron Fraser!
TF: Last question, What are your thoughts on the hire of Mark Richt as the schools replacement to Al Golden? Ha Ha, I had to!
JM: I think Mark is the right guy. He has won ten or more games a year at Georgia. He is also a Miami guy along with his wife. There will be no adjustment period for him and he won here as player and I expect he will do the same as a coach. He is also a great person. Can U tell I am excited?!
