The Hammond Optimist Club is hosting the 10-and-under Cal Ripken World Series. Events officially commence on Friday with the opening ceremonies and banquet of champions. 

Former major leaguer Hal Morris will be the guest speaker at the banquet. He is a native of nearby Munster, Indiana. 

Tickets are still available for the banquet. Tournament pool play runs from Friday to August 9th and then single-elimination games take place until August 12th. 

Morris was a member of the University of Michigan's 1984 College World Series team before being drafted by the New York Yankees in 1986. He played in limited action with the Yankees for two seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 1990 season.

Morris hit .340, finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and helped the Reds win the World Series. The following season, he finished second in the NL with a .318 batting average. 

Morris also spent time with the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers before retiring in 2000. He has worked on various business ventures since graduating with an MBA from Stanford University and was also the director of professional scouting for the Los Angeles Angels from 2012-16. 

To inquire about Hal Morris' speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

Hal Morris Interviewed in 1992: