John Morris, who once pitched for major league teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Francisco Giants, has passed away at the age of 84.
A Lewes, Delaware native, Morris was initially drafted by the Phillies when he was just 18 in 1960. However, it wasn’t until six years later that he made his debut with them. The news of his passing was shared in his obituary published in Lewes’ Cape Gazette.
In his rookie year, Morris played only 13 games for the Phillies before returning to the minor leagues. He later joined the Baltimore Orioles and briefly played for the Seattle Pilots, who eventually became the Milwaukee Brewers. Morris concluded his professional career in the San Francisco Giants’ organization.
As highlighted by Nick Deeds from MLB Trade Rumors, Morris’s career peaked in May 1970 when he pitched complete games in consecutive starts. On May 19, he notably bested All-Star and future Hall of Famer Catfish Hunter as the Brewers triumphed over the Oakland A’s with a 6-3 win. His impressive performance that season secured him a regular spot in the Brewers’ bullpen in 1971, where he maintained a 3.72 ERA over 67 2/3 innings in 43 games.
While Morris’s time in the majors was relatively brief, it fulfilled a lifelong ambition. Over more than a decade in professional baseball following his teenage draft by the Phillies, he participated in 132 major league games, achieving a career ERA of 3.92.
He passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving behind his wife, three children, and four grandchildren, as noted by the Cape Gazette.
Morris died in Scottsdale, Arizona and is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren, according to the Cape Gazette.
