Morgan was named interim manager of the Red Sox when John McNamara was fired during the 1988 All-Star break, and he led Boston from third place, 9-1/2 games out, to its second AL East championship in three seasons. A native of nearby Walpole, Massachusetts, he starred in baseball and ice hockey at Boston College before spending 31 seasons in the minors as both a player and manager. The "interim" was dropped from his title when the Red Sox won 19 of the first 20 games he managed. (SCL)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » June 23, 1960: The Braves acquire Alvin Dark from the Phils for infielder Joe Morgan and cash. The cash they keep; Morgan they sell to the Indians in August. » July 21, 1960: Robin Roberts pitches his 3rd career one-hitter, and the 3rd one-hitter of the season in new Candlestick Park. Felipe Alou spoils Roberts' no-hit bid in the 5th inning of a 3–0 Philadelphia win. 3B Joe Morgan fields the hit, but falls down and cannot make a throw. » October 16, 1976: Don Gullett and Pedro Borbon combine on a 5-hitter, as the Reds win game 1 of the WS 5-1 over the Yankees. Three hits by Perez, the first WS designated hitter, and a Joe Morgan homer supply the offense. » July 13, 1988: The Red Sox fire manager John McNamara and replace him with 3B coach Joe Morgan. Boston was 43-42 under McNamara. » July 15, 1988: Roger Clemens strikes out 16 Royals for the 2nd time this season, sparking the Red Sox to a doubleheader sweep, 3–1 and 7–4, in Joe Morgan's managerial debut. » July 21, 1988: Red Sox veteran Jim Rice is suspended for three games by the club for shoving manager Joe Morgan. Rice was angered when Morgan replaced him with pinch hitter Spike Owen in the 8th inning of Boston's eventual 9–7 win over Minnesota. » October 8, 1991: Manager Joe Morgan is fired by the Red Sox and replaced by Butch Hobson.