Athletes have a risk of injury anytime they compete. While some injuries can be severe and cause the athlete to have to take an extended leave from the game, others maybe not be as bad and the athlete can continue to compete. Lance Morris plays baseball for Clayton High School and he had a situation like this, but he fought through the pain and continued to play.

“We were playing a game and I was the catcher,” he said. “I caught the ball wrong and broke my finger. I was not able to catch the rest of the game, but I wrapped my fingers and hit two singles with a broken finger.”

Morris is a junior at Clayton where, along with playing baseball, he is also a member of the Bulldogs’ basketball team. Away from sports, he is the class president, a member of Ag and the Future Farmers of America program.

As an athlete that plays multiple sports, Lance has invested a lot of time in order to reach his full potential. He says that physical work is vital, but you also have to have something else. 

“Being successful in sports takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and lots of practice,” he said. “But you also have to have the heart. Enjoying the game you are competing in is an important part too.”

Throughout his career, there have been a couple of people that have had an impact on Morris as a baseball player. 

“Alex Bregman is a third baseman and shortstop for the Houston Astros,” he said. “He is someone that I look up to because he is my favorite baseball player. He gives 100 percent on every play, and he never gives up. Another person would have to be coach Hallman because he pushes me to make myself a better player.”

When he and his teammates step on the field or court, they are ready to face whoever they come up against. But while he normally does not care who he is playing, Lance says that there is one team he enjoys beating a little more.

“I enjoy beating Buffalo Valley more than any other team,” he said. “They are our biggest rival so beating them is always fun.”