Joe Morgan
The diminutive star who flapped like a chicken to become an Astro legend.
Joe Morgan, born in Bonham, Texas, and raised in Oakland, California, stands as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history. He played nine seasons for the Houston Colt .45s and Astros from his debut on September 21, 1963, until his trade to Cincinnati on November 29, 1971. Known by the nickname "Little Joe" due to his 5-foot-7-inch stature, he overcame early doubts about his size to become an All-Star twice with Houston in 1966 and 1970. Despite later achieving greater fame with the Reds, Morgan himself considered his debut for the Colt .45s the highlight of his career.
- Role
- Second Baseman
- Tenure
- 1963–1971 (Houston)
- Status
- Hall of Fame Inductee (1990)
- Jersey Number
- 8 (Retired by Reds, not Astros per source)
- Awards
- 2x All-Star (1966, 1970), Gold Glove Winner
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Morgan's early years in Houston were defined by struggle and adaptation. Early in his career, he kept his back elbow too low during his swing until teammate Nellie Fox suggested he "flap his back arm like a chicken" to correct it; this unique motion became his signature. His time in Houston was not without injury: on June 25, 1966, Lee Maye hit a line drive that struck Morgan's kneecap, breaking it and forcing him out for 40 games. During that absence, the Astros posted an 11–29 record. Over his first nine major league seasons with Houston, Morgan compiled 72 home runs and 219 stolen bases, earning All-Star nods in 1966 and 1970. However, as management sought more power and manager Harry Walker labeled him a troublemaker, the Astros traded him in a blockbuster deal that sent Lee May, Tommy Helms, and Jimmy Stewart to Houston.
In Their Own Story
The night of September 21, 1963, marked the beginning of Morgan's journey when he made his major league debut for the Colt .45s. He spent nearly a decade in Houston, developing into a standout player despite initial concerns about his size at Castlemont High School. The trade on November 29, 1971, announced at baseball's winter meetings, was considered a consequential deal for Cincinnati but controversial then, with many experts believing the Astros got the better end. Morgan would return to Houston in 1980 as a free agent on a reported $255,000 contract. He helped the young Astros win the NL West that year, batting .243 in 141 games while leading the league with 93 walks, though he bristled at manager Bill Virdon's decision to take him out for Rafael Landestoy in late innings.
Reader's Guide
Fans of Joe Morgan should note his unique path from being overlooked due to size to becoming a Hall of Famer. His signature "chicken flap" swing adjustment, suggested by Nellie Fox, is a key part of his lore. While he won two World Series and back-to-back MVPs with the Reds, his roots in Houston are foundational. He played 72 home runs and stole 219 bases during his nine years there. His return in 1980 led to an NL West title, where he showed elite patience by leading the league in walks. The trade that sent him away included key players like César Gerónimo and Jack Billingham moving to Cincinnati, a deal that reshaped both franchises.
Did You Know?
- Morgan was nicknamed 'Little Joe' because of his 5-foot-7-inch stature.
- He developed his signature batting stance after teammate Nellie Fox told him to flap his back arm like a chicken.
- Despite later success elsewhere, Morgan said his debut for the Colt .45s on September 21, 1963, was the highlight of his career.
- A broken kneecap from a line drive by Lee Maye in 1966 forced him out for 40 games, during which Houston went 11–29.
- Morgan returned to Houston as a free agent in 1980 and led the league with 93 walks.