Red Sox Mourn the Passing of Joe Morgan

BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox mourn the loss of former manager Joe Morgan, who passed away last night at the age of 95. The 2006 Red Sox Hall of Fame inductee spent 18 years in the organization from 1974-91 as a manager, coach, minor-league manager, and scout.

“Joe Morgan holds a special place in Red Sox history,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. “When he took over in 1988, he changed the course of a season and created one of the most memorable chapters in the history of this club. The two division titles that followed only strengthened a bond with Red Sox fans that endured for the rest of his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.”

“‘Morgan Magic’ is forever part of Red Sox lore,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “Joe took over in 1988 and gave New England a summer it would never forget. How fitting that, in his final season watching the Red Sox, he saw another team respond to adversity with a remarkable run of its own. Joe gave us one of the great chapters in this club’s history, and we will always remember him for it. Our hearts are with his family.”

“Joe Morgan managed the Red Sox during some of my most formative years as a fan,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “Joe made us believe, and when you experience that as a kid, it stays with you. I was fortunate enough to get to know him later in life and found an even better person than the baseball man I had admired. I will miss him deeply.”

Born in Walpole, Massachusetts, Morgan attended Boston College before he was signed by the Boston Braves in June 1952. The infielder played in 88 Major League games with the Milwaukee Braves (1959), Kansas City Athletics (1959), Philadelphia Phillies (1960), Cleveland Indians (1960-61), and St. Louis Cardinals (1964). Following his playing career, Morgan began managing in the minor leagues in 1966. He managed the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox from 1974-82, becoming the longest tenured manager in club history.

In 1983, Morgan transitioned to the Red Sox’ Major League staff as a scout before becoming the club’s first base coach in 1985. He took over as Red Sox manager on July 14, 1988, with the club winning each of its next 12 games and 19 of its next 20 before winning American League East and earning an appearance in the American League Championship Series. In 1990, Morgan again led Boston to an American League East title to the American League Championship Series. He continued as Red Sox Manager through 1991, finishing with a 301-262 (.535) managerial record.

Morgan is survived by his children Catherine, Joseph Jr., William, and Barbara, his six grandchildren, Anthony, Ashley, Rachel, Paige, Jake, and Michael and five great grandchildren, Marco, Evelyn, Vincent, Anthony Jr., and Arielle.