It wasn’t as if Houston Morris was an unknown baseball commodity to several in Bridgeport when he transferred here with his family in 2014. After all, Morris had lived here briefly before, went to Bridgeport Middle School and played Babe Ruth baseball.

 

Bridgeport High School Coach Robert Shields knew a little bit about him based on watching him from years earlier in youth leagues and from what his players knew. However, Shields was more than pleased with what he saw when Morris arrived at BHS in January of 2014 and soon thereafter was trying out for the Indians.

 

Morris ended up playing a key supporting role his junior season when the Indians won the 2014 state title. As a senior this year, he played a lead role as the Indians went 37-3 and won back-to-back baseball titles for the first time in school history.

 

Now, Morris is taking his skill and championship pedigree to Fairmont State University. This afternoon, Morris was joined by his family and Shields to sign a letter of intent at the Bridgeport High School baseball fieldhouse to compete next year for the Falcons.

 

“I chose Fairmont because when I met with (new) Coach (Phil) Caruso I felt a really good connection. I really believe in what he wants to do with the program and I want to be a part of it,” said Morris. “He wants to put Fairmont on the map and get a tradition started.”

 

Morris should have the experience in helping the Falcons as he’s coming from a prep program known statewide and with a boatload of tradition. This season, he had big numbers that helped continue the Indians’ presence on both of those fronts.

 

This year for the Class AA state champs, Morris batted .384. He finished with 29 singles, 12 doubles and a pair of home runs, while driving in 42 runners. He was also a standout defensively as the Indians’ near full-time first baseman.

 

“You didn’t have to worry about Houston in the field,” said Shields. “He took over at first base and we didn’t miss a beat, which was hard to do because we’ve been solid there for the last few seasons.”

 

Morris said he anticipates himself playing more at third base at the Marion County school, but could also see time at first. He also plans on studying Criminal Justice.

 

As for his time spent at Bridgeport and being part of history, Morris said he’s glad he arrived in the middle of his junior year. And he’s even happier that he was there for the two-year title run.

 

“Words can’t describe how great of a feeling it was to be a part of something special,” he said. “It was just a great experience.”

 

Ironically, Morris’ previous stay in Bridgeport was a short one. Although he played Babe Ruth League baseball, he was only here for several months before leaving town once again.

 

“Once I got the news I was moving back here I got in touch with one of my good buddies Austin Perdue,” said Morris. “When I got here he kind of just showed me around the team and introduced me to some of the guys. It was pretty easy getting back into the swing of things and once tryouts started it was all good.”

 

Shields doesn’t disagree with that assessment. Although the veteran coach didn’t know what to expect, he quickly saw that he had a player on his hands that could help an already solid ball club.

 

“I knew he played in the Babe Ruth system and I asked kids like Austin what he was like, but we had to wait for those tryouts because it had been a few years,” said Shields. “The first day of tryouts came and you could see by the way he threw the ball and the fact that he was in top shape that he could play. That really made me pleased.

 

“That first year he pitched more and would spot start for us,” Shields continued. “You could see it was there and he earned 10 to 12 starts. This year, he just blossomed in replacing Tyler (Skidmore) at first base. I almost never had to use him on the mound.”

 

That proved to be correct. While a bit more of a regular on the mound last year, Morris pitched just 3.2 innings this year.

 

Now, he’ll take his well-rounded game to Fairmont State. And Morris said he’s got to be ready if the opportunity arises and knows he has to work to be ready in the event that it does.

 

“I still have things to work on, but I think I can contribute coming straight in,” Morris said. “I need to work on adjusting getting back on third base … There’s nothing a little fielding and drills can’t fix.”

 

One thing Shields said Morris won’t have to work on is his passion for the game. He said Morris is a true follower of the sport, which should bode well at the next level.

 

“He’s a baseball lover. He just loves the game,” said Shields. “Houston will be able to play in the conference. He hits the ball to the opposite field with power. It’s a process, but he’s the type of kid that’s patient that’s willing to put the time in and be patient to get the opportunity to play. Too many times you have kids that go to college that are used to being an all-the-time player that don’t like having to battle for their opportunity. Houston’s the type of kid that will battle for the opportunity.”

 

Morris drew interest from several programs, Shields said. Other schools that Shields said showed interest included Wheeling Jesuit, Ohio Valley, West Virginia State, West Virginia Tech, Davis & Elkins, Glenville, and Alderson-Broaddus.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Houston Morris signing his letter of intent seated between his mother Kerin and father Steve. In the back row, from left, is Coach Robert Shields, brother Austin and sister Tyler. Bottom three photos of Houston Morris during his senior year by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.