Mighty Joe Morgan

By Andrew Rosario

 

Simply put, there would have been no Big Red Machine if not for Joe Morgan. Yes, the Cincinnati Reds had Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Pete Rose and Ken Griffey. But the man they call “Little Joe” was the glue that kept that team together. Morgan passed away at the age of 77 on October 11th in his home in Danville, California.

 

Morgan was one of the smallest baseball players in his era but size was not a detriment in the field or batter’s box. When his career was over, Morgan made 10 All-Star appearances. Six years in a row, Morgan hit .288 or better, walked more than 100 times and scored more than 100 runs. Power was also part of his arsenal as he blasted more than 22 home runs in four straight seasons. Opposing catchers had to be aware when he reached base as he stole 689 bases in 851 attempts. 

 

 

 

 

Morgan was a target while manning second base as players tried in vain to take him out as he attempted to turn double plays. His quick pivot and release frustrated players as he was there one second and gone the next. Five years in a row Morgan won the Gold Glove award while leading the National League in fielding percentage three times, finishing second six times.

 

Tributes poured in when Morgan’s death was announced. “Joe Morgan was quite simply the baseball player I played against or saw,” said Bench. Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker recognized the impact Morgan had as a African American baseball player. “He meant a lot to us, to me, a lot to baseball and a lot to African Americans around the country. A lot to players that were considered undersized. He was one of the first examples of speed and power for a guy they said was too small to play.”

 

Joe Morgan was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 5 years after beginning a broadcasting career calling baseball games for ESPN until 2010. Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said, “Joe was a close friend and advisor to me and I welcomed his perspective on numerous issues. He was a true gentleman who cared about our game and the values for which it stands.”

 

The Cincinnati Reds dominated baseball winning the World Series in 1975 and 1976 as Joe Morgan was named MVP of the National League both years. There would be no Big Red Machine without Mighty Joe Morgan.