FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- One of baseball's most unconventional hitters is changing his swing, which used to make Little League coaches cringe and opposing pitchers groan.
Hal Morris, a career .306 hitter, decided to try something different after he hit only one homer last season for the Kansas City Royals. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds as a backup first baseman and began remaking himself as a hitter.His swing has become more conventional.
"I don't think I'm moving as much," he said.
Throughout his career, Morris has taken a small step toward the mound with his back foot -- the one that conventional wisdom says should remain planted -- just as the pitcher releases the ball. He then takes a stride with his front foot and swings.
It worked, so hitting coaches shrugged and let it go.
"I mean, if you hit, they leave you alone," Morris said. "I appreciated that."
Morris lost his power last season, getting the one homer and 27 doubles in 472 at-bats. He batted .309, but wasn't happy -- or in demand -- as a slap-hitting first baseman.