Ben Morgan figured some of the bigger schools from the power conferences would take a pass on him because of his size.
//
So, when Georgia Southern offered him a 50 percent scholarship this month, the Greenbrier High School infielder called back the next night and committed.
"I know I'm not the biggest guy and don't have enough power to play in SEC or ACC," Morgan said. "They're (Georgia Southern) D-I and were the first D-I school to offer."
Morgan, who will be a senior in the fall, said the commitment is firm, and he would turn away any callers during his senior year. He said playing for the Eagles will give him the opportunity to play Division-I baseball in a system that fits his style of play - scrappy small-ball, stealing bases and manufacturing runs.
"It just seems like my style of play. I thought it'd be a good fit," Morgan said. "And I get to play right away if everything stays in place."
Morgan said he is hoping to play shortstop, a spot that could be open if the Eagles' current shortstop is drafted as expected.
Georgia Southern recruiting coordinator Mike Tidick first contacted Morgan last summer, when Morgan played in a showcase tournament in Statesboro. The two remained in contact via e-mail during the past year. Morgan received the offer earlier this month when Tidick saw Morgan play with his Atlanta-based travel team.
"I really like him," Morgan said. "He just seems honest and all the coaches seem (like) good people."
Morgan said he also was impressed with J.I. Clements Stadium, the Eagles' home field that opened in 2005.
"The field is what really got me going there," Morgan said. "I like the field a lot."
Morgan served as the Wolfpack's leadoff batter for much of last season. His base-running ability leaves opposing pitchers on edge.
"He never lets a pitcher forget about him," Greenbrier coach Chris Wilkins said in April. "When he's on base, and the pitcher's thinking about him, he's taking some focus away from the plate. It helps the hitters see better pitches."
AJGM Tour stops at West Lake
The inaugural Augusta Junior Golf Magazine Tour stops at West Lake Country Club on Monday and Tuesday .
The tournament is the only one the six-tournament schedule that spans two rounds. Participating players earn points for their finishes and a player of the year will be named for each age group.
Cost for the two-day West Lake tournament is $45. Other events are $25. The tour's Web site is www.augustajuniorgolf.com.
The Columbia County News-Times ©2013. All Rights Reserved.