Michael Morse: On the Road to Making Comeback with San Francisco Giants

The cold night of Oct. 16, 2014 is one night San Francisco Giants fans all remember. Michael Morse walked onto home plate for the first time after being on the injury list for two months and delivered a monstrous hit sending the ball way up over left field and out of the yard.

Morse threw a fist pump in the air with a huge smile as his home run tied the Giants against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2014 NLCS.

This moment made Morse one of the unsung heros on that very night, and of course, it was a very crucial play in the game. It was a moment for Morse as one of the most important home runs in his baseball career. It’s also a moment Giants will never forget.

Now fast forward to the year 2017, the hero of the NLCS is fighting for a spot on the Giants roster. Morse isn’t the only veteran player who is trying to force his way to the 25-man roster. Veteran players like Jimmy Rollins, Aaron Hill, Gordon Beckham and others are as well. Each of these players are competing with younger players to win a spot.

After his magical season with the Giants, Morse was flip-flopping through teams in the last two years. First, he signed with the Miami Marlins, then he was shipped off to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Luckily Giants fans, his days as a Dodger lasted for one day. Last, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After being released from the Pirates, Morse spent a whole year with his family, but Morse felt that he still has enough in him to play the game he dearly loves … baseball. It was one faithful night, or one handshake, that changed for Morse.

On the night of Hunter Pence’s wedding, Morse talked with Giants GM Bobby Evans. Morse expressed to Evans that he is still “One of the best hitters off the bench mentality-wise.”

Both of them agreed with a handshake for an invitation to come to spring training with a chance to earn a spot back on the Giants roster.

At the start of spring training, Morse had a slow start in the beginning of the Cactus League. However, he has shown progress in the last few games. So far, Morse has five hits and two homers this spring.

On Wednesday against the Angels, Morse slammed a double to left field, a single to break the tie game, and led to Giants victory.

So, should Morse be a part of the Giants roster this season?

Long time Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow still believes Morse has enough power in him to be part of the team. On Tuesday, Krukow told KNBR radio show “Murphy and Mac Show” that, “If he keeps hitting home runs, he’s got a legitimate chance because he can play first base, he can come off the bench late. There’s a place for him.”

As spring training is nearing to an end, Morse’s performance has come at a perfect time as he’s providing power in the absence of Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford, while they’re playing in the World Baseball Classic.

It’s no doubt that Morse is making his way as the comeback kid out of spring training. Even though he played one season with the Giants, Morse is loved by Giants fans and forever grateful for contributing to the Giants 2014 season. But is it enough for Morse to be part of the black and orange team again?

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It seems like Morse might have a shot to make the team — maybe. Right now, the light seems bright for Morse’s comeback, but who knows what will happen in these last weeks of spring training.