History of Joe Morgan in Timeline
Joe Morgan, an exceptional American second baseman, graced Major League Baseball for 22 seasons, representing teams like the Houston Colt .45s/Astros, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and Oakland Athletics. His illustrious career spanned from 1963 to 1984, marked by remarkable achievements, including two World Series titles with the Reds in 1975 and 1976. Notably, he earned the National League Most Valuable Player award in both championship years, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Morgan was honored with induction into the prestigious Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
September 19, 1943: Birth of Joe Morgan
Joe Morgan was born on September 19, 1943, in Bonham, Texas.
1962: Signing with the Houston Colt .45s
In 1962, Joe Morgan signed with the Houston Colt .45s as an amateur free agent, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.
September 21, 1963: Major League Debut
On September 21, 1963, Joe Morgan made his major league debut, a moment he considered the highlight of his career despite his later achievements.
1963: MLB Debut
Joe Morgan made his MLB debut in 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s.
June 25, 1966: Knee Injury
On June 25, 1966, Morgan suffered a broken kneecap due to a line drive during batting practice, sidelining him for 40 games.
April 3, 1967: First Marriage
Joe Morgan married Gloria Stewart on April 3, 1967.
1970: All-Star Selection
Joe Morgan was named an All-Star in 1970 while playing for the Houston Astros.
November 29, 1971: Trade to the Cincinnati Reds
On November 29, 1971, Joe Morgan was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in a multi-player deal.
1972: All-Star Appearance
Joe Morgan made his first of eight consecutive All-Star Game appearances with the Cincinnati Reds in 1972.
1973: First Gold Glove Award
In 1973, Joe Morgan won his first Gold Glove Award, recognizing his exceptional fielding skills.
1975: World Series Championship and NL MVP
In 1975, Joe Morgan won his first World Series championship with the Cincinnati Reds and was named the National League Most Valuable Player.
1976: World Series Championship and NL MVP
Joe Morgan achieved a remarkable feat in 1976, winning his second consecutive World Series championship with the Reds and also securing his second consecutive National League MVP award.
1977: Fifth Consecutive Gold Glove Award
Joe Morgan won his fifth consecutive Gold Glove Award in 1977, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball.
1980: Return to Houston
Joe Morgan returned to the Houston Astros as a free agent in 1980, helping the team win the NL West.
December 14, 1982: Trade to the Philadelphia Phillies
On December 14, 1982, Joe Morgan was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, reuniting him with former Reds teammates Pete Rose and Tony Pérez.
1982: Willie Mac Award
Joe Morgan won the Willie Mac Award in 1982 for his spirit and leadership while playing for the San Francisco Giants.
1983: 40th Birthday Performance
On his 40th birthday in 1983, Joe Morgan showcased his enduring talent with a four-hit game, including two home runs and a double.
1984: Retirement
Joe Morgan retired from professional baseball in 1984 after playing his final season with the Oakland Athletics.
September 11, 1985: Broadcasting Debut and Rose's Record
Joe Morgan began his broadcasting career with the Cincinnati Reds and witnessed Pete Rose's 4,192nd hit on September 11, 1985.
1985: NLCS Pregame Analyst for NBC
Joe Morgan served as a pregame analyst for NBC's coverage of the 1985 NLCS.
1986: ESPN and College World Series
Joe Morgan joined ESPN in 1986 to cover Monday Night Baseball and the College World Series.
1986: NBC Regional Broadcasts
Joe Morgan started calling regional Game of the Week telecasts for NBC in 1986.
1987: NLCS Pregame Analyst for NBC
Joe Morgan served as a pregame analyst for NBC during the 1987 NLCS.
1987: Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Induction
Joe Morgan was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1987.
March 1988: Wrongful Arrest
Joe Morgan was wrongfully arrested at LAX in March 1988.
1988: ABC Sports Announcer
Joe Morgan joined ABC in 1988, covering various baseball events such as Monday Night Baseball, Thursday Night Baseball, and the ALCS.
1989: Loma Prieta Earthquake and World Series
In 1989, Joe Morgan worked as a field reporter for the World Series and was present at Candlestick Park during the Loma Prieta earthquake.
1990: ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball
Joe Morgan joined Jon Miller and Orel Hershiser on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball team in 1990.
1990: Hall of Fame Induction
Joe Morgan was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 in his first year of eligibility.
1993: Court Upholds Ruling
A federal court upheld Joe Morgan's civil rights victory in 1993.
1994: Board Appointments
In 1994, Joe Morgan joined the boards of the Baseball Assistance Team and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1994: NBC Sports Commentator
Joe Morgan began working with NBC Sports in 1994.
1995: Oakland Athletics Broadcaster
In 1995, Joe Morgan joined the Oakland Athletics' broadcasting team.
1995: World Series on NBC
Joe Morgan called the 1995 World Series for NBC alongside Greg Gumbel.
1996: All-Star Game on NBC
1997: World Series on NBC
Joe Morgan called the 1997 World Series for NBC.
1998: All-Star Game on NBC
1998: First Sports Emmy Award
Joe Morgan won his first Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Event Analyst in 1998.
1999: Special ESPN Broadcasts
In 1999, Joe Morgan teamed with Bob Costas to call two weekday night baseball games for ESPN.
1999: Recognition by The Sporting News
In 1999, Joe Morgan was ranked Number 60 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players.
1999: World Series on NBC
Joe Morgan called the 1999 World Series for NBC.
2000: End of NBC Sports Stint
In 2000, Joe Morgan ended his work as a commentator for NBC Sports.
2000: Hall of Fame Vice-Chairman
Joe Morgan became the vice-chairman of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.
2005: Second Sports Emmy Award
Joe Morgan won his second Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Event Analyst in 2005.
2006: Little League World Series and Double Duty
In 2006, Joe Morgan covered the Little League World Series Championship and called parts of two playoff games on the same day.
2009: Commentary on Morgan's Broadcasting Style
Sports Illustrated published an article discussing the difference between Joe Morgan's playing style and broadcasting persona in 2009.
April 2010: Return to the Reds
Joe Morgan returned to the Cincinnati Reds as an advisor in April 2010.
November 8, 2010: Departure from ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball
Joe Morgan left ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team on November 8, 2010.
June 17, 2011: Sports USA Radio Show
Joe Morgan was announced as the host of a new sports talk radio program on Sports USA Radio Network beginning on June 17, 2011.
2011: New ESPN Announcers
ESPN replaced Morgan and his partner Jon Miller in 2011.
2013: Statue Dedication
The Cincinnati Reds dedicated a statue of Joe Morgan at Great American Ball Park in 2013, honoring his significant contributions to the team.
2015: Leukemia Diagnosis
Joe Morgan was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome, which progressed to leukemia, in 2015.
2017: Letter to the Hall of Fame
In 2017, Joe Morgan wrote a letter to the Hall of Fame advocating against the induction of players who used performance-enhancing drugs.
October 11, 2020: Death of Joe Morgan
Joe Morgan passed away on October 11, 2020.
