DANVILLE, Calif. (KRON) — Oakland-raised Hall of Famer Joe Morgan has died at age 77 in his California home, his family said on Monday. He was suffering from a nerve condition.
While known for his part in Cincinnati’s two-time World Series championship team, Morgan had roots in the Bay Area.
He played his last baseball season in the city he was raised: Oakland. After that 1984 season, Morgan turned in the ball for a broadcast microphone. He had also played for the San Francisco Giants before retiring.
“Joe was one of the more influential people for me, coming up as a young Black kid in the Bay Area playing baseball,” Dave Stewart said.
Two kids from Oakland that made it to the big leagues. That is former Oakland A’s pitcher and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Stewart reflecting on the life and influence of his childhood baseball idol Morgan.
Stewart was in his early 20’s when their lifelong friendship began.
“What I respected about him is that I was rookie and if he missed my phone call, he would always take the time and call back,” Stewart said.
Giving back to the Boys and Girls Club in his home town of Oakland is also a major part of Morgan’s legacy.
“Big supporter all the way up until the end. It is a sad day for Oakland. It is certainly a sad day for baseball fans,” Calvester Stanley said.
“Not just as an athlete but as a humanitarian. Someone who always gave back to his community and never forgot where he was from,” Mayor Libby Schaaf said.
The San Francisco Giants president and CEO, Larry Baer, made the following statement on Morgan’s death:
“Joe had a long and distinguished career on the field, in the broadcast booth and in the community and his passing leaves a hole in the unique fabric of our great game. Our condolences go out to the Morgan family for their tremendous loss and we extend our thoughts to Joe’s teammates, his friends, and to all those touched by his passing.”
In his 22-year career as the greatest second baseman, Morgan scored 1,650 runs, stole 689 bases, hit 268 homers and batted .271, Associated Press reports.
The Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr. issued a statement about his passing: “Joe often reminded baseball fans that the player smallest in stature on the field could be the most impactful,” he said, “Joe was a close friend and an advisor to me, and I welcomed his perspective on numerous issues in recent years. He was a true gentleman who cared about our game and the values for which it stands.”
He lived in Contra Costa County in his final years.