Joe Morgan

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Morgan was African American and the second of six children. Born in Bonham, Texas, he lived there until he was five years old. His family then moved to Oakland, California. Morgan was nicknamed 'Little Joe' for his diminutive 5-foot-7-inch (1.70 m) stature. As a youth, he played American Legion baseball on a team sponsored by Post 471 in Oakland. Morgan was a standout baseball player at Castlemont High School, but did not receive any offers from major league teams due to his size. He briefly attended Oakland City College but was signed directly out of high school by the Houston Colt .45s as an amateur free agent in 1962, receiving a $3,000 signing bonus and a $500 per month salary. Early in his career, Morgan struggled with his swing because he kept his back elbow down too low. Teammate Nellie Fox suggested to Morgan that while at the plate he should flap his back arm like a chicken to keep his elbow up. Morgan followed the advice, and his flapping arm became his signature.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Morgan's Reds tenure arrived in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series. With the series on the line, he drove in Ken Griffey to secure a victory for Cincinnati. His defensive prowess earned him Gold Glove Awards in five straight seasons from 1973 to 1977. Morgan's speed and ability to draw walks resulted in a career .392 on-base percentage, while he stole bases at a rate exceeding 80% success over his career. Even during his peak years with the Reds, where he hit between .288 and .327, he maintained elite power for a middle infielder, contributing to his reputation as perhaps the finest base stealer of his generation.

Reader's Guide

Morgan made his major league debut on September 21, 1963. He played his first nine major league seasons for the Houston Astros, compiling 72 home runs and 219 stolen bases. He was named an All-Star twice during this period, in 1966 and 1970. On June 25, 1966, Morgan was struck on the kneecap by a line drive during batting practice, forcing him out for 40 games. On November 29, 1971, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a blockbuster multi-player deal. With the Reds, Morgan made eight consecutive All-Star Game appearances (1972–79) and won back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1975 and 1976. He was the first second baseman in NL history to win the MVP back to back. In his MVP years he combined for a .324 batting average, 44 home runs, 205 RBIs, 246 walks, and 127 stolen bases. He won the Gold Glove Award from 1973 to 1977. After leaving the Reds, Morgan played for the Giants, Phillies, and Athletics, finishing his career in 1984.

Did You Know?

• Morgan said his MLB debut for the Colt .45s was the highlight of his career, despite winning multiple World Series and MVPs with the Reds.
• In 1982, Morgan hit a go-ahead three-run home run for the Giants that eliminated the Los Angeles Dodgers from the division race.
• Morgan was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1987, and his jersey number 8 was retired.
• A statue of Morgan by Tom Tsuchiya was dedicated at Great American Ball Park in 2013, showing him in a batting stance.
• In the New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, Bill James named Morgan the best second baseman in baseball history.