Jack Morris
| Birthdate | 05/16/1955 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1977 |
| Year of Induction | 2018 |
| Teams | Blue Jays, Indians, Tigers, Twins |
| Position | Pitcher |
Jack Morris dominated the Majors in the 1980s — starting the most games, pitching the most innings, and recording the most wins.
In the collection:
Jack Morris Autoball contract signed 7 games into his caeer
Jack Morris Autoball contract signed 7 games into his caeer
When Jack Morris penned his signature on this contract on March 14, 1978 he was a veteran of 7 big league games. Morris would go on to win 254 games over the course of his career earning Hall of Fame induction in 2018. This contract, signed five times allows Morris’ stamped signature to appear on souvenir baseballs with the stamped autographs of the team. For his trouble, Morris was set to receive a whopping one cent per ball sold.
Jack Morris' 254 wins were surpassed by Greg Maddux on 8/7/2001; here's the lineup card from the Braves dugout
Jack Morris' 254 wins were surpassed by Greg Maddux on 8/7/2001; here's the lineup card from the Braves dugout
Jack Morris’ Hall of Fame career resulted in 254 career wins, tied with White Sox hurler Red Faber, Cooperstown class of ’64. Among the few pitchers who have since surpassed that total since is Greg Maddux. Win #255 came for the Braves hurler on August 7, 2001. In the collection is the lineup card that hung on the Atlanta dugout wall that night.
The game was also remarkable because Maddux passed New York Giants legend Christy Mathewson‘s 88-year old National League mark for consecutive innings without a walk.
Autographed Jack Morris Topps Rookie Card
Autographed Jack Morris Topps Rookie Card
In the collection is a 1978 Jack Morris Topps rookie card signed by the pitcher with the most wins in the 1980s. An interesting note about how highly regarded Morris was during his career: His 14 consecutive Opening Day starts set a Major League record. This is especially impressive as he pitched on many outstanding teams that contended for championships. The Opening Day start is generally awarded to the best or most respected starting pitcher on a staff.
Lance Parrish questionnaire about Jack Morris
Lance Parrish questionnaire about Jack Morris
Lance Parrish and Jack Morris played together as battery mates in Detroit from 1977-1986. Seen here is a questionnaire filled out and signed entirely in Parrish’s hand. Of Morris, Parrish had this to say, “Jack hated to lose. He was a fierce competitor and a great athlete. He also fielded the position very well. I believe he expected to win every time he took the mound. Should be in the Hall of Fame.” A glowing endorsement from the man who caught more of Morris’ games than any other catcher.
Morris and Parrish embrace after the pitcher's no hitter
Morris and Parrish embrace after the pitcher's no hitter
NBC got a little lucky with its nationally televised Game of the Week on April 7, 1984. With Jack Morris on the hill, the network was treated to a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park. It was just the Tigers fourth game of the magical season in which they started 9-0 and raced out to a 35-5 mark to lead the division wire-to-wire and win the World Series. The no-hitter was the first by a Tiger since Jim Bunning in 1958. Shown here is a photo taken just after the game in which catcher Lance Parrish lifts a jubilant Morris off the ground in celebration of the n0-hitter.
