Morgan began his professional career after he graduated from Classen in 1944, signing with the
Brooklyn Dodgers. While at
spring training in 1944, Morgan was
drafted to fight in
World War II, where he served in the
European Theater of Operations. In 1949, he was named the
most valuable player of the
Triple-A International League That year, he won the league
batting crown (.337) and collected 112
runs batted in (RBIs) with the
Montreal Royals. Morgan's days with the Dodgers were spent as a
utility infielder, playing behind
Hall of Famers Pee Wee Reese and
Jackie Robinson,
All-Star Gil Hodges, 1953
Rookie of the Year Jim Gilliam, and slick-fielding
Billy Cox. He played in three
World Series games for the Dodgers. In
the 1952 series he was a defensive replacement in Game 4, and
lined out as a
pinch hitter in the ninth inning of Game 7 against
Bob Kuzava of the
New York Yankees. In the
1953 World Series, he again lined out as a pinch hitter, in the seventh inning of Game 6. Traded to the Phillies in March 1954 for
Dick Young, Morgan set personal bests in
hits (119),
doubles,
home runs (14), RBIs (50) and batting average (.262) as the Phillies' starting shortstop in 1954, where he displaced veteran former "Whiz Kid"
Granny Hamner. The following year, Morgan moved to
second base, but slumped at the plate. In May 1956, the Phillies traded Morgan to the
St. Louis Cardinals for
Solly Hemus. After the 1956 season, the Cardinals traded Morgan and
Rip Repulski to the Phillies for
Del Ennis. The
Chicago Cubs purchased Morgan from the Phillies in May 1957. Overall, as a big leaguer, Morgan collected 487 hits, with 96 doubles, 11
triples, and 53 home runs. He batted .233. ==Later life==