Akeel Morris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Akeel Morris |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Morris with the New Britain Bees in 2019
|
|||
| Free agent | |||
| Pitcher | |||
| Born: November 14, 1992 Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| June 17, 2015, for the New York Mets | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2018 season) |
|||
| Win–loss record | 0–0 | ||
| Earned run average | 6.14 | ||
| Strikeouts | 16 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Akeel Jamael Morris, born on November 14, 1992, is a professional baseball pitcher from America. He used to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Los Angeles Angels. The Mets picked him in the 2010 MLB draft. He first played in the MLB in 2015.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Akeel Morris was born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. His dad, Kenneth, was a crane operator from Saint Kitts. His mom, Corlette, was an insurance agent from Antigua. Before Akeel focused on pitching, his favorite baseball player was Derek Jeter. Later, he admired Josh Beckett.
Akeel went to Charlotte Amalie High School. In December 2009, he pitched a perfect game. This means he got every single batter out without anyone reaching base. He struck out all 15 batters he faced. Akeel's parents helped him travel to the Dominican Republic. There, he tried out for the New York Mets.
A Professional Baseball Journey
Starting with the New York Mets
.jpg)
The New York Mets chose Akeel Morris in the 10th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. He was the 302nd player picked overall. He started his professional career that same year. He played for the Gulf Coast League Mets, a rookie-level team. He pitched in eight games, starting six of them.
In 2011 and 2012, Morris played for the Kingsport Mets. In 2013, he moved to the Low-A Brooklyn Cyclones. He had a great year, winning 4 games and losing 1. He also had a very low ERA of 1.00. This means he gave up very few runs.
In 2014, Morris became a full-time relief pitcher. He played for the Single-A Savannah Sand Gnats. He had an amazing season, leading the league in several areas. He had 16 saves and a super low ERA of 0.63. He also struck out many batters. Because of his great performance, the Mets added him to their 40-man roster. This protected him from being picked by other teams.
Morris started 2015 with the St. Lucie Mets. He continued to pitch well, earning 13 saves. On June 15, 2015, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut on June 18 against the Toronto Blue Jays. After this one game, he was sent to the Binghamton Mets. He continued to pitch well in the minor leagues.
In 2016, Morris played for the Double-A Binghamton team. He had a 2-2 record and six saves.
Playing for the Atlanta Braves
On June 8, 2016, the Mets traded Morris to the Atlanta Braves. He was sent to the Double–A Mississippi Braves. Later, he was called up to the Braves' major league team. In 2017, he pitched well for the Braves. He had a 1–0 record and a low ERA of 1.23. His fastball could reach 95 miles per hour. His best pitch was a "fading change-up". This pitch moves away from the batter.
The Braves decided to let Morris go on March 31, 2018.
Time with the Los Angeles Angels
On April 3, 2018, Morris was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. He joined the Angels' major league team four days later. He played in nine games for them. On August 15, the Angels decided to let him go. He then played for the Triple–A Salt Lake Bees. After the season, he became a free agent.
Independent League Baseball
Morris then played in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is an independent league. This means the teams are not part of Major League Baseball.
He joined the High Point Rockers in April 2019. He pitched in 22 games for them. In July 2019, he was traded to the New Britain Bees. He had a good record of 7-4 for the Bees.
In November 2019, the Long Island Ducks picked Morris. He did not play in 2020 because the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He re-signed with the Ducks in May 2021. He pitched very well, throwing 14 scoreless innings.
Return to Major League Organizations
On June 11, 2021, the San Francisco Giants bought Morris's contract. He played for their Double-A and Triple-A teams. He had a 7-3 record for these teams. After the season, he became a free agent again.
More Independent League Play
On March 31, 2022, Morris signed again with the Long Island Ducks. He started 24 games for them. He became a free agent after that season.
On March 21, 2025, Morris signed for a second time with the High Point Rockers. He pitched in four games before being released by the team on May 11.
International Baseball
Morris was chosen to play for the Great Britain national baseball team. He represented Great Britain in the 2023 World Baseball Classic qualifiers.
