In 2009, Morse played for two AAA teams before returning to major league play with the Washington Nationals. He quickly won over fans with his quirky moves and love of 80s music, according to the Washington Post. Morse had a pre-batting stretching ritual that involved a series of moves he called Samurai Cobra Snake. He also got the song “Take On Me” by the Norwegian pop group A-ha as the go-to tune for the 7th inning.
During the 2012 season, Morse played in 102 games for the team (via MLB). He scored 17 doubles and 18 home runs during this time, but one of those home runs almost didn’t happen. The Washington Nationals faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 29, and Morse was in the outfield, per Baseball Reference. Both teams were in the running for the National League East Championship. Morse went up to bat, hitting a fly ball so far that it hit the back fence of the stadium, according to USA Today. The ball ricocheted off the wall, and the umpire allowed play to continue. Morse got tagged out at first base. It seemed like a straightforward play, but it quickly turned a bit weird.
