Jim Morris’ final home game ended without a final score. In the bottom of the third the game was stopped for rain, and even though it appeared that the game would start again, the rain returned, preventing Miami and Boston College from finishing the third game of their series.
The Hurricanes had gone down by four runs early, but had put up three runs in the bottom of the third before the game was halted. Ray Gil would’ve come to the plate with two men on and two outs had the game been able to restart.
However, today was not about just the game at Mark Light Field. It was about honoring a legend that has served the Miami community for over twenty years. Jim Morris coached the Hurricanes one last time at home, and the University of Miami honored him before the game in a touching ceremony. Below you can see a few photos from the events and the game, along with a video of some highlights of the ceremony to honor the Hurricanes’ long time coach:
We honored a great coach, mentor and man before today's game.
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
Thank you, @Coach3morris, for everything you've done for our program and for the @univmiami. pic.twitter.com/CDfmMhq6At
It was special to see so many former players come out to honor their coach in his final home game. Coach Morris was presented with several mementos and gifts to remind him of his time at Miami, and it was a truly special tribute to a special coach.
Additionally, Miami also presented the team awards for the season:
Jeb Bargfeldt won the Ron Fraser award, for the team’s best pitcher...
Congrats to Jeb Bargfeldt on winning the Ron Fraser Award!
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
The Ron Fraser Award goes to Miami’s top pitcher and is voted on by players and coaches. pic.twitter.com/P0k24BgGld
Isaac Quinones earned the Rookie of the Year Award...
Congratulations to Isaac Quinoñes on winning the team award of Rookie of the Year! pic.twitter.com/7OWNAUWTfW
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
Michael Burns received the Bob Werner Award...
Michael Burns is the Bob Werner Award winner.
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
The Bob Werner Award is given annually to the player who most exemplifies the qualities of a winner. pic.twitter.com/8FQSnb8lgZ
And also earned the Arnold Novins Award...
Congratulations to Arnold Novins Award winner, Michael Burns!
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
The Arnold Novins Award goes to the fans' favorite player. pic.twitter.com/uicYLxQGtB
Danny Reyes was your home run champion...
Congratulations to Home Run Champion, Danny Reyes! pic.twitter.com/6t3IYLA0OY
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
And Freddy Zamora was your team MVP!
Congratulations to the Hurricanes MVP of this season, Freddy Zamora! pic.twitter.com/sKlVfm5YiV
— Canes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 19, 2018
While this may have been the end of Jim Morris’ career at The Light, his final season isn’t over quite yet. Unfortunately the rainout robbed Miami of a chance to add a win to their total before the end of the season, and the Hurricanes will finish regular season play with a 27-25 (16-13 ACC) record.
Miami will be the seventh seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament, and they’ll need to make some noise in Durham to go on to the NCAA Tournament. We’ll have more information on Miami’s opponents on Monday, before the ACC Tournament begins Tuesday. Despite not knowing who they will play, the ‘Canes do know that they realistically need to win two games or more to have any chance for the NCAA Tournament. The ‘Canes need to keep winning no matter who they play next week.
It’s been an illustrious career for Jim Morris, and it’ll take some getting used to without him in the dugout next season. Hopefully the ‘Canes can do something special in the next few weeks and give him a send off to remember.