Sports
Legendary Cincinnati Reds Player Joe Morgan Dies
Morgan was a key cog in the "Big Red Machine."
CINCINNATI — Legendary Cincinnati Reds second baseman and MLB announcer Joe Morgan has died. He was 77.
Morgan is remembered best for his stint as a key cog in Cincinnati's Big Red Machine. During his time in the Queen City, the franchise won two World Series, in 1975 and 1976. Morgan claimed the MVP award for the National League in both of those seasons
He also played with the 1983 Philadelphia Phillies, who won the National League pennant.
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Throughout his storied career, Morgan filled his trophy cabinet with the most coveted awards in baseball. He was a two-time National League MVP, a two-time World Series champion, a 10 time All Star, a five-time Gold Glove winner and two-time Silver Slugger, according to Baseball-Reference.
Morgan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
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After retiring from baseball, Morgan worked as a broadcaster both locally in Cincinnati and for ESPN. He gained renown on Sunday Night Baseball and many commentators cited his work in the booth as their fondest memory of Morgan.
""Fran and I, along with our children, extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Joe Morgan -- the greatest second baseman of all time, a great base runner and hitter, and a gracious and genuinely nice person. He was a player who mastered every detail of the game. We saw him play many times with our older children -- Pat, Jill, Becky, and John. It was a thrill to watch him!" Gov. Mike DeWine said on Monday.
An outpouring of mourning ushered forth on Twitter after news of Morgan's death broke on Monday.
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Joe. He was such a wonderful man to be around and brought such a joy to our clubhouse. I’ll forever cherish our conversations! RIP to the greatest 2nd baseman of all time. Praying for the Morgan’s and all of the @Reds organization.
— Tucker Barnhart (@Tucker_Barnhart) October 12, 2020
RIP Joe Morgan, the sparkplug in Cincinnati's Big Red Machine. Honored to cover his Hall of Fame ceremony, held in a Cooperstown elementary school auditorium due to rain. Everyone mimicked Morgan's arm flap in the batter's box. Few ever duplicated what he did on the field.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) October 12, 2020
Sad to hear the great Joe Morgan has passed. HOF 2nd baseman for the @Reds that was a 10x All Star, stud player. He was commentator for @espn Sunday Night Baseball. Believe it or not, his in booth style was big inspiration for me when I started as a color commentator. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/WPlz3xi0iY
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) October 12, 2020
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