Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan has passed away at the age of 77. In recent years, he has endured several health issues including a rare nerve condition.
Prior to his death, Morgan had spent 35 years in broadcasting. He worked locally before joining ESPN's national broadcast team in 1990. For two decades, the former second baseman covered some of the network's biggest games and appeared on their Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts.
Most notably, Morgan played Major League Baseball for more than two decades. He spent nearly all of his career with the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros. The second baseman earned two National League MVP awards, five Golden Gloves and 10 All-Star appearances. Alongside Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Pete Rose, Morgan won back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
"The Reds family is heartbroken. Joe was a giant in the game and was adored by the fans in this city," Reds CEO Bob Castellini said.
"He had a lifelong loyalty and dedication to this organization that extended to our current team and front office staff. As a cornerstone on one of the greatest teams in baseball history, his contributions to this franchise will live forever. Our hearts ache for his Big Red Machine teammates."
Morgan is one of many Hall of Fame inductees to pass away this year. In 2020, the world of baseball has lost Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver and many others.
"Joe was a close friend and an advisor to me, and I welcomed his perspective on numerous issues in recent years," MLB Commissioner Pete Manfred said.
"He was a true gentleman who cared about our game and the values for which it stands."
Morgan is survived by his wife, Theresa, and his four daughters, Lisa, Angela, Kelly and Ashley.
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