Bobby Morgan – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bobby Morgan wrapped up his major league baseball career in 1958, ending an eight-year run through America’s favorite pastime. The infielder from Oklahoma City managed to carve out a solid career, playing for four different teams, including the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers during their golden era of the 1950s.

Morgan played his final MLB game on April 20, 1958, as a member of the Chicago Cubs. That capped a career from 1950 to 1958, where he hit .233, launched 53 home runs, and drove in 217 runs across 671 games. His road to retirement was anything but ordinary. Military service during World War II interrupted his path, and he often played as a utility guy behind some of baseball’s biggest names.

From his early days winning a state championship in high school to sharing the field with Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese, Morgan’s story echoes the lives of countless players who made up the backbone of baseball in one of its most exciting times.

His journey through the majors and minors, and later his move into coaching and scouting, gives a real look into the life of a pro ballplayer who connected baseball’s past with its changing future.

Early Life and High School Career

Robert Morris Morgan was born June 29, 1926, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He started sharpening his baseball skills in youth leagues and went on to become a standout at Classen High School.

His early baseball days included winning a state championship in American Legion ball, playing alongside future major league players.

Childhood in Oklahoma City

Bobby Morgan grew up in Oklahoma City during the 1930s and 1940s. He first played baseball as a kid in the local YMCA Little League.

The city gave Morgan plenty of chances to develop his skills. Oklahoma City’s strong youth baseball scene helped young players grow.

Morgan’s natural athleticism showed up early. He stood out as an infielder, a role that would shape his pro career.

The local baseball culture in Oklahoma City really helped him. Coaches and leagues in the area pushed him to improve and learn the game.

Classen High School Achievements

Morgan went to Classen High School in Oklahoma City and kept excelling at baseball. He graduated in 1944.

While at Classen, Morgan became one of the top high school players in Oklahoma. Scouts and college recruiters started to notice him.

The school’s baseball program gave Morgan tough competition. Facing talented players in high school helped get him ready for the pros.

Morgan’s success at Classen set the stage for his professional career. By graduation, he was already a well-developed infielder.

American Legion Baseball Experience

Morgan played American Legion baseball on a team with future big leaguers Roy Jarvis and Cal McLish. That experience exposed him to tougher competition than he’d seen in high school.

The team found a lot of success while Morgan was there. They grabbed the Oklahoma state championship in 1943, a big highlight for him.

Playing with Jarvis and McLish let Morgan see what it took to compete with future pros. That kind of challenge really prepared him for the next level.

American Legion ball acted as a bridge between high school and the pros. It gave Morgan more chances to develop and get noticed by scouts.

Military Service During World War II

Bobby Morgan’s baseball career hit pause when the draft called him up for military service in 1945. He spent two years with the U.S. Army during the last stages of World War II, missing two key seasons of professional baseball.

Draft and Army Experience

Morgan got his draft notice in late 1944, right after finishing his first pro season with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. He’d shown promise with the Olean Oilers and Newport News Dodgers.

Like so many other American athletes, Morgan put baseball aside to serve. He joined the Army in 1945, just as the war in Europe was winding down.

The Army sent Morgan to the European Theater of Operations. He served with plenty of other pro baseball players who’d also been drafted.

His military stint lasted from 1945 to 1946. He lost what would have been his second and third years of pro baseball development.

G.I. World Series Participation

A lot of ballplayers stationed in Europe played in organized baseball games and tournaments while serving. The military set up these games to keep morale up.

There aren’t specific details about Morgan’s participation in military baseball games, but the Army often held baseball competitions between units.

These games helped players keep their skills sharp during service. Many pros found these contests useful for staying in shape.

Playing baseball in the military felt different than pro ball. Guys had to adapt to whatever equipment and fields were available.

Impact on Baseball Development

Morgan’s two years in the Army left a real gap in his baseball growth. He missed crucial playing time at ages 18 and 19, big years for development.

When he got back to baseball in 1947, Morgan had to work on his timing and conditioning again. He joined the Spokane Indians in the class B league to restart his career.

The military experience probably helped Morgan grow up, both as a person and a player. A lot of returning vets brought new discipline and focus to their games.

His 1947 season with Spokane showed he’d bounced back. Morgan hit .293 and made the All-Star team at third base, proving his skills stuck with him despite the two-year break.

Minor League Journey and Development

Morgan started his pro baseball career in 1944, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers at 18. He worked his way up through the Dodgers’ farm system, putting up big numbers with the Montreal Royals and earning a reputation as one of the International League’s top players.

Signing With Brooklyn Dodgers Organization

Bobby Morgan turned pro in 1944 when the Brooklyn Dodgers picked him up as a young prospect from Oklahoma City. The Dodgers liked his versatility as an infielder.

His early time in the minors got interrupted by military service. Like so many players then, Morgan spent time in the armed forces during World War II.

When he returned, Morgan climbed through the Dodgers’ deep farm system. The Dodgers had a reputation for developing talent back then.

Scouts saw Morgan as someone who could help at the big league level. His right-handed bat and ability to play all over the infield made him valuable.

International League MVP and Montreal Royals

Morgan’s biggest minor league moment came with the Montreal Royals in the International League. He won Most Valuable Player honors playing for Brooklyn’s top affiliate.

The Montreal Royals acted as the Dodgers’ main development team. Tons of future big leaguers passed through Montreal.

Morgan’s MVP season showed he could hit for both average and power, and he held his own defensively. He put up solid fielding numbers too.

His time with Montreal led straight to his big league call-up in 1950. The Dodgers promoted him because of his strong International League stats.

Key Minor League Achievements

Over his minor league career, Morgan put up a .265 average with 120 home runs and 709 RBIs in 1,402 games. He showed he could deliver at the plate.

Morgan’s ability to play all over the diamond became one of his best assets. He played first base, second, third, catcher, and outfield—pretty much anywhere the team needed.

His fielding and defensive skills improved a lot in the minors. That made him a valuable utility player when he reached the majors.

The Brooklyn Dodgers spent a lot of time developing Morgan’s game. Watching him move up through their system proved their scouting and player development worked.

Major League Baseball Career

Bobby Morgan played eight seasons in the big leagues from 1950 to 1958, suiting up in 671 games for four National League teams. He saw action in World Series games with the Brooklyn Dodgers and offered steady infield work throughout the 1950s.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Morgan made his MLB debut on April 18, 1950 with the Brooklyn Dodgers at 23. He earned his shot after a standout 1949 season with the Montreal Royals, where he took home the International League MVP and batting title with a .337 average.

World War II service interrupted his early career, but after coming home, Morgan worked his way through the Dodgers’ system.

The Brooklyn front office recognized his talent quickly. Morgan landed a roster spot after dominating Triple-A pitching in 1949 with 112 RBIs.

His rookie year saw him become a reliable utility infielder. He backed up stars like Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson at Ebbets Field.

Teams Played: Dodgers, Phillies, Cardinals, Cubs

Morgan played for four National League teams over eight years. He spent his first four seasons (1950, 1952-1953) with the Brooklyn Dodgers and appeared in World Series games in 1952 and 1953.

The Dodgers traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies in March 1954 for Dick Young. His best season came in 1954 as Philly’s starting shortstop, when he set career highs with 119 hits, 14 home runs, and a .262 average.

In May 1956, Philly sent Morgan to the St. Louis Cardinals for Solly Hemus. After the 1956 season, St. Louis traded him back to Philadelphia with Rip Repulski for Del Ennis.

The Chicago Cubs bought Morgan from the Phillies in May 1957. He finished his MLB career with Chicago, playing through the 1958 season in a limited role.

Fielding Positions: Shortstop, Third Base, Infielder

Morgan played all over the infield during his career. He mainly handled shortstop and third base, but he also logged time at second base.

His top season came at shortstop for the Phillies in 1954. Morgan took over for veteran Granny Hamner and became Philly’s regular shortstop.

The next year, Morgan moved to second base as the roster shifted. His defensive flexibility kept him valuable as a starter and as a utility guy.

At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Morgan threw and batted right-handed. He posted a .963 fielding percentage in his career, showing he was steady in the field.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Morgan finished with a .233 average over 671 MLB games. He collected 487 hits, including 96 doubles, 11 triples, and 53 home runs with 217 RBIs.

His best offensive year came in 1954 with Philadelphia, when he hit .262 with 14 homers and 50 RBIs. Those numbers were all career highs.

Morgan played in three World Series games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1952 and 1953. He came off the bench as a defensive replacement and pinch hitter, including a lineout against Bob Kuzava in Game 7 of the 1952 Series.

After retiring in 1958, Morgan kept playing in the minors until 1963. He later managed in the Phillies’ farm system and scouted for the Orioles, Royals, and Twins.

Postseason Contributions and Notable Games

Bobby Morgan got into three World Series games with the Brooklyn Dodgers, playing in both the 1952 and 1953 Series against the New York Yankees. His postseason role was mostly as a defensive replacement and pinch hitter, though he didn’t have much luck at the plate in those moments.

World Series Appearances

Morgan’s World Series experience came during his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He appeared in the 1952 and 1953 World Series, both against the Yankees.

The Dodgers used Morgan in strategic spots during these high-pressure games. His ability to play all over the infield made him a go-to guy for late-game defensive moves.

Morgan didn’t see a ton of postseason action, but when he did, it mattered. The Dodgers counted on his glove when they needed to protect a lead or shake up the lineup.

1952 and 1953 World Series Details

In the 1952 World Series, Morgan showed up in Game 4 as a defensive replacement. He got a crucial pinch-hitting opportunity in Game 7, the final game of the series.

During the ninth inning of that Game 7, Morgan came to the plate as a pinch hitter against Yankees pitcher Bob Kuzava. He lined out and couldn’t spark a Dodgers comeback.

The 1953 World Series brought him another pinch-hitting chance. He appeared in Game 6 during the seventh inning, but once again, he lined out and didn’t reach base.

Memorable Moments Against the Yankees

Morgan’s biggest postseason moment happened in the 1952 World Series Game 7 against the Yankees. That ninth inning at-bat really marked the height of his World Series experience.

He faced Bob Kuzava with a shot to help the Dodgers finally win their first championship. The line out ended his chance to become a World Series hero, but you can imagine the nerves in that moment.

His 1953 World Series appearance in Game 6 was another high-stakes moment. Even though he didn’t get on base, his managers kept trusting him in critical situations, which says a lot.

Teammates, Trades, and Relationships

Bobby Morgan spent eight years in MLB, forming important relationships with legendary players and going through several key trades that sent him to four different teams. His most memorable partnerships came with the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he got to play alongside Hall of Famers and see baseball history up close.

Playing With Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson

Morgan always talked about his friendship with Pee Wee Reese, which started when he joined the Dodgers in 1950. The traveling secretary paired him with Reese as roommates.

“You got to be kidding me. He’s my idol,” Morgan remembered saying when he heard the news. He called Reese “just a super guy on and off the field.”

Morgan played three seasons with Jackie Robinson from 1950 to 1952. He saw up close the racism Robinson faced during those early days of integration.

“It was awful,” Morgan said later. “I tell people about it and they think I am exaggerating. Nobody on the team could understand how he could take that kind of abuse.”

The team tried to support Robinson whenever they could. Morgan said his teammates “took up for him all we could” and called Robinson “a super human being.”

Both Reese and Robinson played key roles on the Dodgers’ 1952 and 1953 World Series teams.

Notable Trades and Transactions

Morgan’s career took him through several major moves between four teams. The Brooklyn Dodgers sold him to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1954 after those World Series runs.

He spent two seasons with the Phillies in 1954 and 1955. Then the Phillies traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956, where he played for a season.

The Chicago Cubs bought him from the Phillies on May 19, 1957. Morgan struggled with the Cubs, hitting just .207 in his first season there.

He played in only one game during the 1958 season before his major league career ended. Morgan later said the constant trades made players feel like “just like a cow” with teams buying and selling all the time.

Interactions With Key Players

Morgan’s journey brought him into the orbit of some of baseball’s greatest stars. While with the Cubs, he became teammates with Hall of Famers Stan Musial and Ernie Banks.

He kept up a friendship with pitcher Carl Erskine, who threw a no-hitter in 1952 with Morgan at third base. Morgan made two big defensive plays that day, saving possible hits.

“Hey Bobby, did I ever thank you for saving my no-hitter back in ’52?” Erskine would joke with him at card shows years later.

Morgan also had memorable moments against opposing stars. He called Willie Mays the best player he ever saw and took part in one of Mays’ most jaw-dropping catches in 1952 at Ebbets Field.

That play happened when Morgan pinch-hit for Carl Erskine in the eighth inning with two men on. Morgan hit a line drive to left-center, and Mays made a diving catch, knocking himself out cold in the process.

Career After Playing and Legacy

After his playing days, Bobby Morgan moved into baseball management and scouting, staying in the game for decades. He spent his post-playing years developing minor league talent and scouting for major league teams, all while keeping strong ties to his Oklahoma City roots.

Minor League Management Roles

Morgan started managing right after he retired from playing. He managed for three seasons from 1964 to 1966 in the Phillies farm system.

He used the knowledge he’d gained from eight years in the majors. As a utility infielder who played all over, he helped develop young prospects.

Managing let Morgan stay connected to baseball and help shape the next generation of players. His time with the Phillies’ organization showed the team’s trust in his experience and leadership.

Scouting for Kansas City Royals

After managing, Morgan moved into scouting, which became a huge part of his baseball life. He scouted for three big league teams: the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins.

The Kansas City Royals really benefited from Morgan’s knack for spotting talent. His years playing against top competition gave him an edge in judging who could make it in the majors.

Morgan’s scouting career kept him in baseball for decades after his playing days ended. He stayed active in evaluating and developing players across multiple eras.

Life in Oklahoma City and Lasting Impact

Morgan moved back to Oklahoma City, the place where he was born, after he finished his baseball career. He stayed there until he passed away on June 1, 2023, at 96.

He became one of the last Brooklyn Dodgers players still alive. Morgan lived for 96 years, witnessing almost a full century of baseball, from the 1940s all the way into the 2020s.

Even in his later years, Morgan kept close ties to Oklahoma. He went to Classen High School and played American Legion baseball in the city before he ever went pro.

When he died in Oklahoma City, it felt like his journey had come full circle. He left the world in the same city where he was born back on June 29, 1926.