Old To New!

In the past, I have had many different coaches. Even though I didn't have the opportunity to play for coach Midkiff, he was the one that recruited me to come to Eastern to play baseball. Without him, I would probably be at Mesericordia. He gave me and I am sure all of the other freshmen a scare. Two days before school started, he sent out an email stating that he would be leaving Eastern and going to Swarthmore.

At first, we were worried, and then we realized that the whole team was in the same position. We all had to start over and everyone was on the same level in the eyes of the new coach.

Jed Morris was announced as the new head coach. As the Big 12 player of the year in 2002, Morris, a catcher, helped the Nebraska Cornhuskers to reach a College World Series for the second straight season. Morris out up outstanding numbers at the plate while leading the Nebraska defense behind the plate. He was drafted by the Athletics in the 2002 "Moneyball" draft, and he was excelling through the system when he was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Morris beat Leukemia and returned to the minors where he eventually finished his playing career as a member of the Lancaster Barnstormers organization in the Independant League. He was the organization's "Community Man of the Year" for his work with others who were looking to fight cancer.

So far, Coach Morris has been a great coach and I look forward to the next four year. He is an inspiration and I am honored to have the opportunity to play under him. Now you all know the new head baseball coach for the Eastern Eagles.

Coach Morris on his comeback from Leukemia