Joe Morgan

Joseph Leonard Morgan (born September 19, 1943 in Bonham, Texas) is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, considered by many as one of the greatest second basemen to have played the game. Morgan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 with 81.76% of the ballot. Currently, he works as a color commentator for ESPN television and radio.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Morgan, an African American, should not be confused with another baseball name, the Caucasian Joe Morganhttp://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=morgajo01, who managed the Boston Red Sox to the 1988 and 1990 American League Eastern Division titles.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Morgan was signed by the Houston Colt .45s as an amateur free agent in 1962. Early in his career, Morgan had trouble with his swing because he kept his back elbow down too low. Teammate Nellie Fox suggested to Joe that he should 'flap' his back arm like a chicken to keep his elbow up. He played with distinction with Houston until a multi-player trade brought him to the Cincinnati Reds in the 1972 season. After joining The Big Red Machine, Morgan's career reached a new level. This includes eight consecutive All-Star Game appearances (1972-1979) to go along with his 1966 and 1970 appearances with Houston.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Morgan, along with teammates Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Dave Concepci?n, led the Reds to consecutive championships in the World Series. Morgan was also the National League MVP in 1975 and 1976.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a hitter, Morgan was extremely capable. While his lifetime average was only .271, he hit between .288 and .327 during his peak years with the Reds, and drew a great many walks throughout his career, resulting in a superb .392 on base percentage. He also hit 268 home runs and 545 doubles and triples, excellent power for a middle infielder of his era, and was considered the finest base stealer of his generation (689 steals at greater than 80% success rate). Besides his prowess behind the plate and on the bases, Morgan was an exceptional infielder winning the Gold Glove Award from 1972 to 1976. In his Historical Baseball Abstract, Bill James named Joe Morgan the best second basemen in baseball history.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

September 19: September 19 is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years). There are 103 days remaining....

1943: :This is an article about the year 1943. For the arcade and video game, see 1943....

Bonham, Texas: Bonham is a city located in Fannin County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 9,990. It is the county seat of Fannin County....

Joe Morgan related Images and Photos (experimental)

Joe E. Brown	Morgan Le Fay	Morgan Ensberg	Morgan Ensberg
Morgan Brittany	Joe Lara	Morgan Brittany	Morgan Fairchild
Joe Torre	Joe Biden	Joe Penny	Joe Perry: Joe Perry