Coming of Age

[Recent Fall Ball Stats for Peoria]
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Shawn Norris

FROM THE EXPOS WEB SITE - While growing up in Salt Lake City, Shawn Norris never thought he would be considered a potential Major Leaguer. When he was in high school, being a professional baseball player seemed, as he put it, "so far away." But the reality of being a ballplayer set in when he went to Cal State-Fullerton, where he was known to get big hits.

"Coming from Utah, you really don't know how good you are, because it's not like in California, where you hear about these baseball players," Norris said. "Utah is really not known for baseball. I knew I was good for Utah. But I learned really quick that I was good enough."

Today, Norris, 24, is more than good enough. He is considered the best third-base prospect in the Expos' farm system. Last season, he hit a combined .284 with five home runs and 81 RBIs for Class A Brevard County and Double-A Harrisburg.

Some people in the Expos organization believes he can do even better. In fact, Adam Wogan, the Expos' director of player development, went so far as to call Norris another Hank Blalock, the power-hitting third baseman for the Rangers.

"That makes me feel so good, I don't know how true that is," a modest Norris said after being told of the comparison. "I just try and do what I can do. I definitely don't hit for power like he does. I really don't compare myself to anyone."

Norris hopes the power will come in the future. He is encouraged by the fact that he had 35 extra-base hits, excluding the five home runs.

"Time will tell if I will hit home runs. I would like to think so. But I have no idea," Norris said.

Despite having a good batting average, the left-handed swinger still feels he needs work on his hitting. He points out that if he doesn't have good at-bats early in the game, he tends to let it bother him in later plate appearances.

"Over the years, I've been kind of an immature hitter. I have to be a more mature hitter, get more strength and experience," Norris said. "I just hope I continue to get better."

Norris is playing for the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League. He is still hitting for average (.283 entering Friday's action), but he has yet to hit a home run.

Like many in the Expos organization, Norris can play several positions, though he can man third base with the best of them. Right now, Norris is playing shortstop in the AFL, and he enjoys playing the left side of the infield.

"I played shortstop when I was in college and I played some short during the regular season," Norris said. "It hasn't been too much difference [between short and third]. It's something new to do, and it has been pretty fun doing it."

Norris is expected to start the 2005 season in the minor league camp, but feels his hard work will get him to the big leagues soon.

"I really feel good about how hard I've worked thus far," he said. "I really do love baseball. It's hard to put into words how much joy baseball has given to me."

[Recent Fall Ball Stats for Peoria]
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)