Joe Morgan
| Birthdate | 9/19/1943 |
| Death Date | 10/11/2020 |
| Debut Year | 1963 |
| Year of Induction | 1990 |
| Teams | Astros, Athletics, Colt 45s, Giants, Phillies, Reds |
| Position | Second Base |
Joe Morgan experienced the pinnacle of his career in 1975 and 1976 when he won back-to-back NL MVP Awards and World Series titles.
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The Houston Colt .45s signed 19-year old Joe Morgan in 1962
The Houston Colt .45s signed 19-year old Joe Morgan in 1962
Joe Morgan’s professional career started when he signed on with the Houston Colt .45s in November, 1962. In the collection is the team’s press release announcing the signing of the future Hall of Fame second baseman.
Having just completed their first year of competition in the National League, Houston trumpets that Morgan is, “the 102 free agent signed by the Colt .45s in the last 11 months.”
A junior college product, Morgan would initially report to the Class C Modesto team of the California League.
Morgan played in a combined 18 big league games in 1963 and ’64. By ’65 he was the team’s everyday second baseman. The following season he had a breakout year. Little Joe scored 100 runs and led the league in walks to finish second in Rookie of the Year balloting.
In ’66 Morgan made his first all star team. Houston dealt Morgan in November of ’71 as part of an 8-player trade with the Reds. The move to Cincinnati jump started his Hall of Fame career.
Each of his eight years with the Reds was an all star campaign. Over that span, Morgan helped Cincinnati make the post season five time. As NL MVP in ’75 and ’76, Morgan led the Reds to consecutive World Series triumphs.
In January of 1980, Morgan signed a free-agent deal with the Astros. He remained productive until retiring from the game in 1984.
Mogan played more seasons in Houston (10) than Cincinnati (8)
Mogan played more seasons in Houston (10) than Cincinnati (8)
After signing with the Colt .45s, Joe Morgan played parts of two seasons in the minors before coming up to Houston to stay in 1965. Morgan’s first nine big league seasons were in Houston, two when they were the Colt .45s.
He also played for the Astros for the 1980 season after leaving the Reds. Shown here is Morgan’s rookie card autographed by the man better remembered for his time in Cincinnati. Morgan has added, “HOF ’90” after signing the card.
After retirement Morgan enjoyed a 25-plus year career as a broadcaster, allowing millions of younger fans to know him.
Knee problems caused Morgan to miss all but 10 games in '68
Knee problems caused Morgan to miss all but 10 games in '68
Joe Morgan was still with Houston when this card came out in 1968. Ligament damage in his left knee limited the second baseman just ten games that season.
The Astros traded Little Joe to Cincinnati as part of an eight-player deal in November, 1971. Morgan went on on appear in eight straight All Star games as a Red, capping it off with back-to-back regular season MVP awards and World Series Championships.
Morgan and Cincinnati's Big Red Machine toured Japan after the '78 season
Morgan and Cincinnati's Big Red Machine toured Japan after the '78 season
The 1978 Reds team won 92 games, finishing 2 1/2 in back of the Dodgers. At the conclusion of the season the squad went on a goodwill tour to Japan.
In the collection is the “Visa Application Form to Enter Japan” for Cincinnati second baseman Joe Morgan. The document shows October 26, 1978 as the Reds’ date of entry and lists Morgan’s occupation as, “Professional Baseball Player”.
Morgan’s Cincinnati teams were among the best of the era. Along with Morgan, the team featured Hall of Fame players Johnny Bench and Tony Perez. They were managed by Cooperstown man Sparky Anderson. Their roster included stars all-time hit king Pete Rose, Ken Griffey, and George Foster.
Joe Morgan's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame came on August 5, 1990
Joe Morgan's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame came on August 5, 1990
Heading into the first year of the 1990s, only 25 men reached the Baseball Hall of Fame their first time on the ballot. That summer two more baseball legends were added to the list, 3-time Cy Young Award winner and 8-time 20-game winner Jim Palmer and ten-time All Star, five-time Gold Glover, and two-time MVP Joe Morgan.
The image above is an invitation to their ceremony on the hot summer day in Cooperstown, New York. It is signed by Morgan at the bottom.
Did you know Pete Rose should be in the HOF………………………..now that’s a crime. Check his stats……………………….For A few bets on baseball, his team and others. And what did the Astros get. No player suspensions and Managers out of baseball for a year. Now that’s a crime. Manfred and baseball should be ashamed.
one of the greatest 2nd baseman’s ever,
I knew him for over 50 years, spent a lot of time
with him, both during the baseball season and off season.
he was a very good friend,
luved having fun, eating good food, playing golf. and being
a good father.
gone but not forgotten,
rest in peace,
joel Lupkin