Joe Morgan, who led 1988 Boston Red Sox to ‘Morgan Magic’ season, dies at 95

Joe Morgan, who spent 18 seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization and managed the famed “Morgan Magic” 1988 season, died Saturday night at 95. The Red Sox announced Morgan’s death Sunday morning, but did not disclose a cause of death.

The 2006 Red Sox Hall of Fame inductee worked for the Red Sox as a manager, coach, minor-league manager and scout from 1974 to 1991.

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

A Walpole, Mass., native, Morgan is best known for turning around the ’88 season when he took over as interim manager on July 14, 1988, and steered the club to 12 straight wins and 19 of its next 20 en route to winning the American League East title. The club eventually lost to the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series. In 1990, Morgan again led the Red Sox to an AL East title and another trip to the ALCS, which ended in a sweep at the hands of the A’s. He continued as Red Sox manager through 1991, finishing with a 301-262 (.535) managerial record.

“‘Morgan Magic’ is forever part of Red Sox lore,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in a statement. “Joe took over in 1988 and gave New England a summer it would never forget. How fitting that, in his final season watching the Red Sox, he saw another team respond to adversity with a remarkable run of its own.”

Morgan attended Boston College before signing with the Boston Braves in June 1952. He played 88 major-league games with the Milwaukee Braves (1959), Kansas City Athletics (1959), Philadelphia Phillies (1960), Cleveland Indians (1960-61) and St. Louis Cardinals (1964).

Following his playing career, he began managing in the minor leagues in 1966. Morgan managed the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox from 1974 to 1982, becoming the longest-tenured manager in club history.

In 1983, Morgan transitioned to the Red Sox’s major-league staff as a scout before becoming the club’s first base coach in 1985.

Morgan is survived by his four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.