On June thirtieth, 2009, one of the vital memorable Nationals of their early historical past got here to city. His title was Nyjer Morgan. He was not probably the most proficient participant, however he was a spark plug, who supplied fireworks at any time when he was on the sphere. Morgan was additionally a free cannon, who supplied brilliance, in addition to moments of insanity. There’s a purpose that there’s a video referred to as “Nyjer Morgan will get pissed off”.
Nyjer Morgan was not even the most effective participant the Nationals acquired in that commerce, reliever Sean Burnett was extra essential to the Nats future success. Nonetheless, because the saying goes, the streets will always remember Nyjer Morgan.
Morgan made a direct affect when he arrived in DC. He was a spark plug on the prime of a foul Nationals lineup. Morgan hit an astounding .351 , with a strong .831 OPS in 212 plate appearances. He additionally added 24 stolen bases in his 49 video games in DC in the course of the 2009 season. In 2009, all the consideration Morgan acquired was from his manufacturing and electrical play fashion.
In 2010, issues modified for Morgan. He was much less productive and his antics overshadowed his play. On Could twenty second, 2010, he was part of one of many craziest contained in the park dwelling runs of all time. After he was unable to make a troublesome however makable play in heart discipline, he slammed his glove to the ground and walked away from the ball. Josh Willingham needed to come all the best way from his left discipline place to get the ball. By the point the Nats relayed the ball dwelling, Adam Jones had come all the best way across the bases. Morgan had simply misplaced his thoughts in the course of the sport.
His different iconic episode that season got here in September, when he incited a wild brawl with the Marlins. After decking the catcher in a earlier sport, the Marlins had been out for blood. This revenge got here when Chris Volstad threw behind Morgan. Nyjer instantly rushed the mound, and threw a wild left hand at Volstad earlier than being shut lined by the primary baseman. The following brawl was as wild as you’ll ever see in Main League Baseball.
On the sphere, Morgan was much less productive in 2010, posting a unfavourable WAR, posting a paltry .633 OPS. He additionally led the league by getting caught stealing 17 instances. Along with his waning efficiency and occasional bouts of madness, the Nats had seen sufficient and traded him to Milwaukee. With the Brewers, Morgan developed a cult like following, resulting from his “Tony Plush” alter ego.
Whereas Morgan was removed from the most effective Nationwide, he was one of many extra memorable. Remembering guys like him is the rationale why I created the twentieth anniversary collection.
