Red Sox Owner John Henry reacts to death of Joe Morgan, manager of legendary ‘Morgan Magic’ season
Red Sox legend Joe Morgan, manager of the iconic 1988 “Morgan Magic” season, dies at 95; John Henry Red Sox owner reacts.
Joe Morgan, the man behind one of the most beloved chapters in Boston Red Sox history, has died at 95. The Red Sox announced Sunday morning that Morgan passed away Saturday night, though no cause of death was disclosed.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer and former manager Joe Morgan. He was a truly beloved fixture of the Red Sox, spending nearly two decades with the organization.
We send our love to the Morgan family. pic.twitter.com/4BQRTbMcLT
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 6, 2026
Morgan spent 18 seasons within the Red Sox organization, from 1974 to 1991, working as a minor-league manager, scout, coach and eventually major-league manager. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2006.
“Joe Morgan holds a special place in Red Sox history,” principal owner John Henry said in a team statement. “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.”
The Walpole, Massachusetts, native took over as interim manager on July 14, 1988, and immediately sparked a 12-game winning streak, part of a stretch that saw the club win 19 of 20 games on the way to an American League East title. Boston fell to Oakland in the ALCS that year, and again in 1990 after Morgan led the team to a second division crown. He managed through 1991, finishing 301-262.
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner also honored Morgan’s legacy. “‘Morgan Magic’ is forever part of Red Sox lore,” Werner said. “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.”
From Player to Pawtucket Legend
Morgan attended Boston College before signing with the Boston Braves in 1952 and playing 88 major-league games across five franchises. He began managing in the minors in 1966 and spent nearly a decade running Triple-A Pawtucket, becoming the longest-tenured manager in that club’s history before joining Boston’s major-league staff in 1983.
Morgan is survived by four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Joe Morgan, the man behind one of the most beloved chapters in Boston Red Sox history, has died at 95. The Red Sox announced Sunday morning that Morgan passed away Saturday night, though no cause of death was disclosed. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer and former manager Joe Morgan.