rest in peace, Joe Morgan

rest in peace, Joe Morgan, jmo, pound for pound, inch for inch,the most talented player ever - imagine if he had had a shortstop arm...

I was 12 years old in 1975 when Morgan had his first of two absolutely insane years statistically in 75 and 76 for the Reds. At that age, I didn't have perspective on the typical skills of even the best ball players and it took time before I realized how unique Morgan was.

Even with how much an anomaly 75 and 76 were, to watch him was even more amazing. Forget how well he hit or how selective he was at the plate, his movement as a fielder and his acceleration on the jump stealing a base were incredible. I'm sure being as small as he was made his movement more visually dramatical, but, it seemed like he was moving at a different speed compared to everyone else.

He was always smiling and then as an announcer, his enthusiasm and personality just reinforced how special he was.

my personal respect for him originates in the days when Wrigley would let you into the bleachers for a buck at 10 AM, I went to see the Cubs when he was still on the 'Stros, he was out getting pitches from Harry the Hat Walker and TATOOING the tractor access door near the 368 mark in RF with drive after drive - he must have been there for an hour before regular BP started, I get that it was BP, but it was the most stunning display of hitting I have ever seen when he was traded to the Reds I was not surprised when that team ignited.

I was so impressed that he was out there so early working so hard and getting such great results, he has been my favorite non-Cub ever since.

Best player in the decade of the seventies!

Best player in the decade of the seventies!

I totally agree. And one of the smartest players I ever saw!

Ahoy,

As a child of the sixties and seventies - of what i remember - I do remember as a Bucco's fan suffering greatly under the Big Red Machine and loudly protesting that so and so - and his mom - Joe Morgan. You don't get bitched at in the 'burgh unless you are really good - Joe was reeaaalllly good and the 70's Bucco's suffered greatly by his brilliance. He is truly a star of the game.

Yettie