Article: Get To Know: Twins Outfield Prospect Hank Morrison

[Seth Stohs]

Hank Morrison was the Minnesota Twins 22nd round pick last June. He spent four seasons playing for Division II Mercyhurst. In his senior season, he hit .415 with 10 homers and 53 RBIs. Following signing, Morrison was sent to Elizabethton where his season was split in half. Unfortunately, it was split because of a wayward pitch that hit him in the face. He will head to spring training looking for an opportunity to start the season in Cedar Rapids.Today, we get to know more about Twins outfield prospect Hank Morrison. We thank him for taking time to answer our questions. Please feel free to discuss in the Comments section below.

 

Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Pennsylvania, which was your favorite team and who were some of your favorite players?

 

Hank Morrison (HM): Growing up my favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I always liked watching Andrew McCutchen, and for the Steelers Heinz Ward!

SS: What were some of the highlights of your high school years? (What other sports or activities did you participate in?)

 

HM: I played baseball and basketball in high school. A highlight from baseball was winning our district and making it to State, which we hadn't done since 1976. Best highlight from basketball was when I dunked in a game and got fouled and then made the foul shot.

SS: What went into your decision to go to Mercyhurst, and what were a couple of highlights from there?

 

HM: The reason I went to Mercyhurst was simply because of the winning tradition. Also, I knew they had a tradition of getting at least one guy drafted a year so I knew I would have exposure. The best highlight from playing at Mercyhurst was going to the D2 national tournament for the first time in school history.

SS: Drafted by the Twins in the 22nd round... is that about where you thought you might be selected before the draft?

 

HM: When the draft came around, I was not sure what to think. I was a senior so I knew I didn't have much of an option as to when I got drafted. I am just extremely thankful for the opportunity.

SS: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make, going from college to the pro game? On or off the field?

 

HM: The biggest adjustment I had to make on the field was understanding that everyone that I was playing for is in the same situation I am. I was too worried about who people were and if they were supposed to be good or not. Now, realizing that everyone is in the same position no matter the talent and you just have to play your game.

SS: In these early stages of your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths as a player?

 

HM: My biggest strength as a baseball player is always playing as hard as I can. No matter if I'm hitting or fielding, I always try to leave it all out on the field.

SS: What were some of your focuses during the offseason? What are the things that you feel you need to improve going forward?

 

HM: The things I worked most on in the offseason was simply becoming more explosive. Knowing that this will help every aspect of my game. Run speed, bat speed, and arm strength. Also, I tried very hard to stretch a good amount and do yoga to get as flexible as I possibly can.

SS: How did you feel about your first professional baseball season? How did you enjoy your time in Elizabethton?

 

HM: My first professional season was filled with ups and downs. It definitely didn't go the way I was expecting. I played in twenty games; ten in the beginning and ten in the end because I got hit in the head with a fastball and broke my nose. Thus being said, Elizabethton is a very nice place filled with great people!

SS: What do you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball?

 

HM: Away from the game of baseball, I enjoy shooting hoops, hunting, bowling, golfing, working out, ping pong and occasionally fishing.

SS: Who are some of the coaches and others who have helped you get to this point in your career?

 

HM: My dad is the biggest part of why I was successful. Not only the coaching aspect of it, but he always helped me keep a good mindset, and I think that is huge. Other coaches are Charlie Karstedt, Tom Kenny, Sean West, and Joe Spano. These guys were huge in the development in my game.

SS: Favorite Baseball Movie?

 

HM: My favorite baseball movie is Touching Home.

 

Thank you to Hank Morrison. Best wishes for a strong 2017 season. And again, please feel free to discuss below.

 

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[diehardtwinsfan]

I love that you've been using this to shine the light on guys that everyone else would ignore. Here's to hoping he has a nice season this year and puts himself on the map.