Morgan, Joe (1943-2020), ranks among the greatest second basemen in major league baseball history. He was named the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1975 and 1976, the only second baseman to win the award in consecutive seasons. Morgan combined speed, power, and a sharp batting eye. He ranks fifth in career bases on balls. Although only 5 feet 7 inches (170 centimeters) tall, Morgan was a strong batter, hitting 268 home runs during his 22-year career. He was an outstanding defensive player, winning Gold Glove awards annually from 1973 to 1977.
Joe Leonard Morgan was born in Bonham, Texas, on Sept. 19, 1943. He began his major league career with the Houston Astros in 1963 and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1972. During his eight seasons with the Reds, the team won three National League pennants and two World Series. Morgan was traded back to Houston in 1980 and then played for San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Oakland before retiring after the 1984 season. He then became a baseball announcer on television. Morgan was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. He died on Oct. 11, 2020.
