A native of Bonham, Texas, Morgan was an All-Star in each of his 22 seasons in the majors. He made his debut with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963 and quickly established himself as one of the game’s most dynamic players. He was a five-time Gold Glove winner and was the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1975 and 1976.
Morgan’s career batting average was .271, but he was known for his power, stealing 689 bases, and hitting 268 home runs. He was a two-time All-Star Game MVP and was a member of the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine” teams that won the 1975 and 1976 World Series.
Morgan’s legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was a leader in the fight for player rights and was instrumental in the 1981 players’ strike. He was also a leader in the push for the Hall of Fame to induct more African American players, leading to the election of several players in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Morgan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 and his number 8 was retired by the Reds. He was a 10-time All-Star and was voted onto the All-Century Team in 1999. In 2002, he was selected as one of the Top 100 Players in Major League Baseball History. Joe Morgan will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
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3 minutes
2020
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum mourns the passing of Class of 1990...
The Baseball Hall of Fame Remembers Joe Morgan / The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum mourns the passing of Class of 1990 member Joe Morgan. September 19, 1943 – October 12, 2020.
3 hours
Aug 3, 1969Aug 3, 1969
The 1969 season witnessed the debut of two expansion teams, the Houston Astros and the...
Houston Astros vs Montreal Expos - Joe Morgan - Radio Broadcast / The 1969 season witnessed the debut of two expansion teams, the Houston Astros and the Montreal Expos, who embarked on their inaugural campaigns in Major League Baseball. Both teams faced numerous challenges as they sought to establish themselves in the league. The month of August proved to be a critical juncture in their respective journeys.
For the Houston Astros, August marked a period of significant improvement and progress. Despite a slow start to the season, they showed resilience and determination, steadily improving their performance in the summer months. Led by talented players such as Joe Morgan and Jimmy Wynn, the Astros began to find their footing and make their presence felt in the league. While the playoffs remained out of reach, their August surge provided hope for a brighter future.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Expos encountered a more arduous season. As an expansion team, they faced the challenges of building a competitive roster from scratch. In August, the Expos struggled to maintain consistency, battling with their lack of experience and depth. Despite the hardships, the team displayed flashes of potential, thanks to players like Rusty Staub and Ron Fairly, who showcased their abilities and hinted at a promising future.
The 1969 season allowed both the Houston Astros and the Montreal Expos to lay the foundation for their future endeavors in Major League Baseball. While the Astros demonstrated signs of growth and improvement in August, the Expos endured their share of challenges as they navigated their inaugural season. Their journey in 1969 laid the groundwork for their development into integral components of the league's landscape in the years to come.
2½ hours
Jul 31, 1967Jul 31, 1967
The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston...
New York Mets vs Houston Astros - Radio Broadcast / The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, two teams striving to find their footing in the competitive National League. As August rolled around, both teams were seeking to make a push for the playoffs.
For the New York Mets, the season marked a step forward in their relatively young history. In August, they showcased resilience and improvement, with standout performances from key players like Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, bolstering their pitching rotation. This revitalized pitching staff allowed the Mets to put up a stronger fight against their opponents and compete more convincingly. While their offensive capabilities still needed refinement, the Mets' progress throughout August was a promising sign for their future as a competitive force in the league.
On the other hand, the Houston Astros had a mixed experience in August. The team boasted strong pitching, thanks to the likes of Mike Cuellar and Don Wilson, who demonstrated their skills on the mound. However, the Astros encountered some challenges in their offensive lineup, resulting in a fluctuating performance during the month. Despite the hurdles, their overall performance showcased glimpses of potential, hinting at their ability to contend in the future.
As the season approached its conclusion, the New York Mets and the Houston Astros had both made strides to improve and prove their mettle on the baseball field. While the Mets demonstrated progress in their pitching department and resilience as a young team, the Astros showcased solid pitching talent but needed to address their offensive inconsistencies. The season rivalry between the two teams during August emphasized the competitive spirit and the determination to carve a path toward greater success in the future.
3 hours
Sep 27, 1964Sep 27, 1964
The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the...
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Colt .45s Radio Broadcast / The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the Los Angeles Dodgers, played on September 27, 1964 at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Don Drysdale for the Dodgers and Bob Bruce for the Colt .45s. Drysdale, a future Hall of Famer, was renowned for his intimidating presence on the mound and his exceptional control. Bruce, on the other hand, was a solid starter for the Colt .45s, known for his competitive nature. At this point in the season, the Dodgers were in the thick of a tight pennant race in the National League, while the Colt .45s were trying to finish their season on a high note. The 1964 season was marked by several significant stories, including the Philadelphia Phillies' infamous late-season collapse, and the exceptional performance of the St. Louis Cardinals, who would eventually win the World Series.
The game was a classic pitcher's duel, with both Drysdale and Bruce throwing scoreless innings well into extra innings. Neither team could muster much offense, with the Dodgers and the Colt .45s managing just five hits apiece. For the Dodgers, Tommy Davis managed a double, while Dick Tracewski and Nate Oliver each contributed a single. For the Colt .45s, Joe Morgan, known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds, had two hits, while Jimmy Wynn drove in the game's only run. Both pitchers were in control throughout, with Drysdale striking out six and Bruce matching him with six strikeouts of his own.
The game remained scoreless until the 12th inning, when Rusty Staub, the future All-Star, led off the inning for the Colt .45s. Despite not registering a hit in the game, Staub managed to reach base and eventually scored the game's only run on a hit by Wynn. The Dodgers, despite a solid performance from Drysdale, were unable to respond in their half of the inning, leading to a 1-0 victory for the Colt .45s.
The game was indicative of the larger trends of the 1964 season. The Dodgers, despite a strong roster and excellent performances from players like Drysdale, were unable to secure a playoff spot, finishing the season in sixth place in the National League. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, ended their season in ninth place, but the game was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season. The game also highlighted the talent of players like Drysdale and Morgan, who would go on to have exceptional careers in Major League Baseball. The 1964 season was ultimately won by the St. Louis Cardinals, who defeated the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game World Series.