Joe Morgan Biography

(Former Professional Baseball Second Baseman)

Birthday: September 19, 1943 (Virgo)

Born In: Bonham, Texas, United States

Joe Morgan was widely regarded as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history, achieving both personal and team success with the *Cincinnati Reds*. Early in his career, he was often underestimated because of his small frame, and professional teams hesitated to sign him. Eventually, he joined the *Houston Colt .45s* (later renamed the Houston Astros), where he quickly made a strong impression. During this period, however, Morgan endured racism that at times made him consider quitting the sport. Despite these challenges, he persevered, becoming a consistent performer for the Astros. Over time, his relationship with the team’s manager deteriorated, leading to his trade to the *Cincinnati Reds*. With the Reds, Morgan became part of the legendary “Big Red Machine,” one of the most dominant teams in baseball history. Alongside fellow stars such as Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Tony Pérez, he helped the Reds capture back-to-back *World Series titles* in 1975 and 1976. Morgan was named the *National League Most Valuable Player (MVP)* in both of those seasons, solidifying his place as one of the game’s elite. Known for his powerful hitting, speed, and smart base running, Morgan cemented his reputation as one of the best all-around players at his position. After retiring, he remained connected to the sport as a respected baseball broadcaster, continuing his lifelong association with the game he loved.

5
Quick Facts

Also Known As: Joe Leonard Morgan

Died At Age: 77

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Gloria Morgan (m. ?–1988), Theresa Morgan (m. 1990)

children: Angela Morgan, Ashley Morgan, Kelly Morgan, Lisa Morgan

Born Country: United States

Baseball Players American Men

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

Died on: October 11, 2020

place of death: Danville, California, United States

Diseases & Disabilities: Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Leukemia

Cause of Death: Peripheral Neuropathy

Grouping of People: Black Baseball Players

U.S. State: Texas

More Facts

education: Oakland City College

awards: 1975 - 2× World Series champion
1976 - 2× World Series champion
1973 - 5× Gold Glove Award winner

1974 - 5× Gold Glove Award winner
1975 - 5× Gold Glove Award winner
1976 - 5× Gold Glove Award winner
1977 - 5× Gold Glove Award winner
1982 - Silver Slugger Award winner
1982 - NL Comeback Player of the Year

  • 1

    What position did Joe Morgan play in baseball?

    Joe Morgan primarily played as a second baseman in baseball.

  • 2

    Which MLB teams did Joe Morgan play for during his career?

    Joe Morgan played for teams like the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and Oakland Athletics during his career.

  • 3

    Did Joe Morgan win any World Series championships?

    Yes, Joe Morgan won two World Series championships with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976.

  • 4

    Was Joe Morgan inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

    Yes, Joe Morgan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.

  • 5

    Did Joe Morgan have a successful broadcasting career after retiring from playing baseball?

    Yes, Joe Morgan had a successful broadcasting career as a baseball analyst for ESPN after retiring from playing baseball.

Childhood & Early Life
Joe Morgan was born to Leonard Morgan, a tire and rubber worker, and Ollie Morgan in Bonham, Texas. When he was five, his family moved to Oakland, California, where he spent his childhood. He had a small physique which brought about his nickname, ‘Little Joe’.
He studied at the ‘Castlemont High School’. He began his playing career in 1962 when he joined the ‘Houston Colt .45s’, (which later became ‘Houston Astros’) as a free agent.
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Career
From 1962 to 1971, he played ten seasons for the Astros and built a reputation as a fine player, accumulating 72 home-runs and 219 stolen bases.
Although he played very well for the Astros, the team preferred players with more power. Additionally, Morgan had a few disciplinary issues with the manager Harry Walker. Thus, in 1972, he was transferred to ‘Cincinnati Reds’ as part of a high-profile exchange deal involving 8 players between the two teams.
In his first season of 1972 at the club, he hit .292 with 16 home runs, 73 RBI and 58 stolen bases. The Reds were the ‘National League’ pennant winners and also won the ‘National League Championship Series’, but lost 4-3 to ‘Oakland Athletics’ in the ‘World Series’.
In 1973, Morgan won the ‘National League West division’ with the Reds, but the team lost the pennant by a score of 2-3 to ‘New York Mets’.
The year 1975 was a landmark one for both Morgan and the Reds, as they beat ‘Boston Red Sox’ 4-3 to win the ‘World Series’ after a period of 35 years. Morgan was outstanding throughout and chosen as the ‘National League Most Valuable Player’ for that season.
In 1976, both Morgan and the Reds continued their good form and they won the ‘World Series’ again as they swept aside New York Yankees 4-0. Morgan hit .327 with 17 home runs, 94 RBI, 67 SB and 132 walk and won the MVP award again.
Morgan won the ‘National League West division’ with the Reds in 1979, but lost in the ‘Championship Series’ to ‘Pittsburgh Pirates’. This was Morgan’s last season at the club as he moved to his first club ‘Houston Astros’.
In 1980, Morgan helped a young Astros team win the NL West division, but the team lost the ‘Championship Series’ 2-3 to ‘Philadelphia Phillies’. He moved to ‘San Francisco Giants’ after the season.
From 1981 to 1984, he played two seasons for ‘San Francisco Giants’ and one season each for ‘Philadelphia Phillies’ and ‘Oakland Athletics’, following which he retired.
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Post his retirement, he became a Television broadcaster and worked for ‘ABC Sports’, ‘NBC Sports’, ‘ESPN’ and ‘Sports USA’. In 2010, he joined his former team ‘Cincinnati Reds’ as a ‘special advisor to baseball operations’.
Awards & Achievements
He was a part of the ‘All-Star’ team ten times between 1966 and 1979.
He won the ‘Gold Glove Award’ as a second baseman for five consecutive years, from 1973-1977.
He was the ‘National League Most Valuable Player’ for two consecutive seasons with the ‘Cincinnati Reds’.
In 1987, he was inducted into the ‘Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame’.
He was inducted into the ‘Baseball Hall of Fame’ in 1990.
Family & Personal Life

Joe Morgan married Gloria Morgan in 1967 and  had two daughters with her - Angela and Lisa. The marriage ended in divorce in 1988.

In 1988, he was detained by police officers at the ‘Los Angeles International Airport’ and was accused of being a drug dealer. After the police let him go, he wasn’t allowed to file a complaint regarding the grievance. However, a lawsuit regarding the issue was settled a few years later when the ‘Los Angeles City Council’ agreed to pay Morgan $796,000.

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He married Theresa Morgan in 1990, and fathered two daughters with her - Ashley and Kelly.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Joe Morgan died on October 11, 2020, at his home in Danville, California. At the time of his death, he was suffering from a non-specified polyneuropathy. 

Facts About Joe Morgan

Joe Morgan was known for his unique batting stance, which featured him holding his hands high and close to his body, a style that set him apart from other players of his time.

Despite his small stature for a baseball player, standing at just 5 feet and 7 inches tall, Joe Morgan was a powerhouse on the field, demonstrating that size doesn't always determine success in the sport.

In addition to his impressive baseball career, Joe Morgan was also a talented broadcaster and analyst, bringing his knowledge and passion for the game to audiences long after his playing days were over.

Off the field, Joe Morgan was known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable organizations and initiatives to give back to the community and make a positive impact beyond the world of sports.

Joe Morgan's legacy extends beyond his individual achievements, as he was a key member of the Big Red Machine, one of the most dominant and iconic teams in baseball history, showcasing his ability to excel as part of a cohesive and successful unit.

See the events in life of Joe Morgan in Chronological Order

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Article Title
- Joe Morgan Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/joe-morgan-4318.php

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