Joe Morgan, the legendary Red Sox manager who led the “Morgan Magic,” has died

The Boston Red Sox confirmed the death through a statement, in which John Henry, the franchise's principal owner, highlighted the place that Morgan holds in the club's history.

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

The “Morgan Magic” that changed Boston history

" Joe Morgan is perhaps one of the most beloved managers in the history of the Boston Red Sox , a team with which he was associated for decades after the firing of John McNamara.

What initially was an interim solution went on to become one of the most remembered chapters in baseball history.

In July 1988, Morgan took over the professional team with much of the roster made up of players developed in the club’s farm system. The team responded quickly, and the Red Sox won 12 games and 19 of the next 20 under his leadership. That extraordinary turnaround became known as “Morgan Magic” and allowed Boston to climb back up the standings and capture the American League East Division title.

Two years later, in 1990, he once again led the Red Sox to the division championship. In both seasons, Boston was eliminated by the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series.

Born in Walpole, Massachusetts , Morgan had an extensive career in baseball. He played 88 Major League games between 1959 and 1964 with Milwaukee, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and St. Louis, and later spent much of his career as a manager, coach, and scout.

Morgan had been with the organization for more than a decade when, in 1983, he joined the Major League staff as a scout. In 1985 he became the first base coach. Three years later, he received the opportunity that would define his legacy: to manage his hometown team. Between 1988 and 1991, he compiled a record of 301 wins and 262 losses as Boston’s manager over four seasons.

Red Sox president Tom Werner also highlighted Morgan’s legacy and assured that the “‘Morgan Magic’ will forever be part of the franchise’s history.”

Morgan left Boston with two division titles and a 301-262 record, but his name became forever associated with that 1988 comeback. The ‘Morgan Magic’ was much more than a winning streak: it was the moment that turned an interim manager into a permanent figure in Red Sox history