After scoring the game-wining run in the Chicago White Sox World Series clinching game against the Houston Astros on Wednesday night, former Kennesaw State great Willie Harris will forever be remembered in the historical narration of Windy City baseball.
For Harris, who played for the Owls in 1999, his legend began more than six years ago when he first donned the black and white pinstripes. Then, however, the stripes belonged to Kennesaw State.
After playing two years of junior college ball at Middle Georgia Junior College, Harris was spotted by the Kennesaw State staff after playing in a game at Stillwell Stadium.
"I remember sitting in the press box and watching him play," said Ryan Coe, the Owls longtime assistant coach and two-time All-American. "You could see immediately how talented he was."
In his one season with the Owls, Harris along with former Texas Ranger Jason Jones helped guide KSU to a berth in the NCAA Division II Championship game.
"We were a good team," said Coe. "But when Willie got here we became a great team."
Always charismatic, he was an all-around team leader. Serious when the time called, Harris was always able to make things comfortable with a dynamic and spirited sense of humor.
"He is a great guy to have in the clubhouse, a real good guy to be around," added Coe.
Harris shined brightly at Kennesaw State, he earned Third Team All-American and has always made his mark as a clutch hitter. In the World Series, Harris had two hits in two at bats and his professional postseason success is a direct reflection of his collegiate success. Harris hit .365 in the 1999 regular season, .438 in the NCAA Regionals and .500 in the National Championship tournament.
"Willie and I spent a lot of time in the cage," smiled Coe who was Harris' batting coach. "He has a tremendous work ethic and never backed away from putting in extra time to work on his hitting."
Kidded when asked if Coe could take credit for the speedster's success in the majors, "You may say I helped him a little bit hitting, but I sure didn't teach him how to run."
Harris was drafted out of high school by the Pittsburgh Pirates and then by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after his freshman year. However, lack of size was cited by some scouts and in his sophomore year Harris wasn't shown much interest. That was until his time with the Owls.
After a season in which he had 35 extra-base hits and 40 stolen bases the Baltimore Orioles drafted the Cairo, Georgia native and his career was in full swing.
He made his major league debut with the Orioles in September of 2001 and was traded to the White Sox for Chris Singleton in 2002. Now, he is a World Champion.
""You are always happy for a former player who has enjoyed success, in baseball or any other profession," said Coe. "We are very proud of what Willie has accomplished. To make it into the big leagues is hard enough, but he is enjoying a career as a baseball player."
