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Conversation with Max Morris - An unexpected turn of events
As I let Max into my office, I could see something was on his mind.
Martin - Max come on in, take a seat.
Morris - Thanks boss
Martin - So I can see something is clearly on your mind, is it Oysters retiring? I know you talked to him a lot and he was a great resource for you this season, but don't worry we will find someone......(I could see this was not the issue).
Morris - No its not Ossie retiring. It's just, I've been in baseball my whole life. I owe everything I have to the game of baseball. But I have been talking to my wife and family back home and....well I am thinking of leaving the game for awhile.
Martin - (Stunned) Leaving the game? You mean stepping down as the manager here in Detroit? You want to manage somewhere else? I mean I know it was rough early this season but the club really turned it around and in talking with Ossie he said you were making great strides as a young manager. Is it the losing?
Morris - No I just want to be home more often and I want to give something back to my community. I have been talking with some folks and they think that I should run for Congress. If I am going to take it seriously I can't be on the road managing and split time at home and in DC.
Martin - But baseball has been your life Max. Are you sure this is what you want to do? I mean big league manager jobs, there are only 16 of them and I think you have a great opportunity here.
Morris - DD, you have been on my side ever since you brought me back to Cleveland in 32. You gave me the opportunity to win another World Series, and let me patch things up in Cleveland. When the Foresters were looking to move forward last year, you came in and offered me this opportunity to finish out my playing career and become a manager. Its been a great experience and I am forever in your debt. Its just, I feel like at this time, maybe doing something for my hometown of Youngstown and giving back. Maybe by getting elected, I can help out more people. I've had such a great career, Its....I just want to give something back to all these people who have supported me throughout my career.
Martin (clearly taken back by this new development, his mind wanders into the upcoming meeting with the owners.) I understand Max, if this is what you really want to do. Maybe you should take a week and really make sure. I mean politics, some of those guys are crazy.
Morris - I've been thinking about it, and I have been thinking about what kind of a spot this will leave you in. I know you went out on a limb for me with this opportunity, but it is really what I think I want and is best for me and my family. Who knows I might want to get back into baseball someday, but I really think I want to do this.
Martin - Max, the baseball world is going to miss you. You are the games greatest player in my opinion. I know it will be a blow to the fans here, but if this is really what you want. I won't stand in your way.
Morris - Thank you DD, thanks for everything these last 5+ years. (starts to get up and we shake hands).
Martin - Max, if there is anything I can do to help you in this new venture, just call me. I will do everything I can.
Morris - I might do that, especially if you can get Forester Owner Rick Marshall to perhaps publicly back me.
Martin - I will call Ricky later today and ask him to give you a hand. I am sure he wouldn't mind supporting your efforts. Take care Max, I hope we cross paths again and if you ever decide to get back into the game, just call me.
With that my manager and the game's all-time leader in home runs, RBI's and runs scored left my office. Now I have something else to talk with Mr. Thompson about. Not only did I have to replace our bench coach, but I need to hire a new manager. It was only 9 AM and I was looking for a drink, and the day was about to get rougher most likely
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