Former Viper Defenceman Morgan Debuts On Cover Of Sports Illustrated:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Nyjer Morgan made the cover of August's Sports Illustrated magazine. Morgan played with the Vipers as an "AP" during the 1996-97 season. Morgan was drafted by the Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft.

Nyjer Morgans Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579

Here is a little preview of the inside four page article on Nyjer Morgan and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Inside Sports Illustrated

The Brewers are “Living the High Life” on This Week’s Sports Illustrated Cover

Posted: August 23, 2011

A trio of Brewers — Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Nyjer Morgan — appear on cover of the Aug. 29 issue of Sports Illustrated, on newsstands tomorrow, with the billing “Living the High Life.” This marks the first time in over 24 years that the Brewers have had the honor of the cover to themselves, with Rob Deer having appeared on the cover of the April 27, 1987 issue. (Braun appeared with five other players on the cover of the 2008 Baseball Preview.)

With 22 wins in their last 25 games and an 8 ½-game lead in the NL Central, the Brewers are the hottest team in baseball. They may also be the craziest. They celebrate walk-off wins by punching one another in the kidneys and have customized handshakes with their security guards. Their postgame clubhouse activities include rounds of naked golf, baby oil rubdowns, a cushioned chair that the pitchers claim helps their changeups and a head-rattling mash-up of music that ranges from Marilyn Manson to Lil Wayne. Rather than suppressing the Brewers, first-year manager Ron Roenicke has let them be themselves. Says mustachioed closer John Axford (page 44): “Ron embraced the youthfulness and craziness of this team. We’re not like most people. You have to cut us loose and let us go.”

Also at the center of the team’s transformation is Morgan, a 31-year-old journeyman outfielder also known as Tony Plush. In a sport of reserved personalities, Morgan carries on conversations with fans both supportive and hostile, often between pitches, and gives his teammates nicknames like Meatball, Spatula and Thatha. He also introduced himself at spring training, two days after being traded from the Nationals, by saying, “What’s up f——!” Says Brewers G.M. Doug Melvin: “He has brought silliness back to baseball.”

On the Tablets: Video of a classic Nyjer Morgan (click to find out how irreverent it is). Plus, with Prince Fielder headed to free agency this winter, SI looks at how five other stars in their walk year have enhanced their market value.