Joe Morgan Dies, Becoming Sixth MLB Hall Of Famer To Pass Away In 2020

Cincinnati Reds great Joe Morgan has died at 77 years old, joining the growing list of baseball legends that have passed away in 2020.

Morgan died Sunday at his home in Danville, California, according to a statement from his family. Morgan’s cause of death was a nerve condition, a form of polyneuropathy.

The news comes just a few days after New York Yankees great Whitey Ford died at 91 years old. Bob Gibson, another legendary pitcher, died on Oct. 2.

MLB Hall of Famers Lou Brock, Tom Seaver and Al Kaline all died this year, as well.

“Joe wasn’t just the best second baseman in baseball history, he was the best player I ever saw and one of the best people I’ve ever known,” former Reds catcher Johnny Bench said in a statement, via Cincinnati.com. “He was a dedicated father and husband and a day won’t go by that I won’t think about his wisdom and friendship. He left the world a better, fairer, and more equal place than he found it, and inspired millions along the way.”

One of the greatest second basemen in MLB history, Morgan was a 10-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner. He won the NL MVP award in 1975 and 1976, helping to lead Cincinnati to a World Series championship in both seasons.

Morgan made his major-league debut in 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s, who became the Houston Astros two years later. Morgan joined the Reds in 1972, winning three National League pennants as part of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine.

After spending time with the Astros, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and Oakland Athletics from 1980-1984, Morgan finally called it a career. His 2,649 games played are third all-time among second basemen. Morgan still ranks in the top-five in steals, runs scored and walks at his position.

Morgan was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1990.