Ed Morris (1920s pitcher)
Walter Edward "Big Ed" Morris (December 7, 1899 – March 3, 1932) was an American baseball player who was murdered. He was a starting pitcher in Major League who played in five seasons from 1922 to 1931. Listed at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 185 lb., he batted and threw right-handed.
Ed Morris | |||
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Pitcher | |||
Born: Foshee, Alabama | December 7, 1899|||
Died: March 2, 1932 32) Century, Florida | (aged|||
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MLB debut | |||
August 5, 1922, for the Chicago Cubs | |||
Last MLB appearance | |||
September 21, 1931, for the Boston Red Sox | |||
MLB statistics | |||
Earned Run Average | 4.19 | ||
Win–loss record | 42-45 | ||
Strikeouts | 256 | ||
Teams | |||
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Early career
A native of Foshee, Alabama, Morris entered the majors in August 1922 with the Chicago Cubs, appearing for them in 12 innings of relief and did not have a decision. While pitching in the minors for Montgomery, he threw a no-hitter against Hershey. Morris returned to the major leagues in 1928, this time with the Boston Red Sox.
Later career
In 1928, Morris posted a 19–15 record with a 3.53 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 257⅔ innings for the last-place Red Sox, being considered in the American League MVP vote. In 1929 he went 14-14 with a 4.45 ERA, before injuring his arm during a scuffle in a St. Louis hotel elevator. After that, he went 4-9 in 1930 and 5-7 in 1931.
In a five-year career, Morris posted a 42–45 record with 256 strikeouts and a 4.19 ERA in 140 appearances, including 78 starts, 43 complete games, two shutouts, six saves, and 674.0 innings of work.
Death
Prior to 1932 spring training, some friends of Morris threw a going-away party for him in Century, Florida. The party got out of hand, and Morris got into an altercation with a gas station attendant who was at the tavern where the party was held. In the middle of the discussion, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed Morris in the chest. Morris was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but later died.[1][2]
References
- "Sport: New Season". Time. Time Inc. March 28, 1932. Retrieved 26 December 2010.
- "Red Sox Pitcher Ed Morris, Critically Stabbed During Brawl". Lewiston Daily Sun. March 2, 1932. Retrieved 26 December 2010.