Ed Morris (1920s pitcher)

Not to be confused with Ed Morris (1880s pitcher).

For other uses, see Edward Morris.

Ed Morris
Pitcher
Born: (1899-12-07)December 7, 1899 Foshee, Alabama, U.S.
Died: March 2, 1932(1932-03-02) (aged 32) Century, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 5, 1922, for the Chicago Cubs
Last MLB appearance
September 21, 1931, for the Boston Red Sox
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	42–45
Earned run average	4.19
Strikeouts	256
Stats at Baseball Reference
Teams
Chicago Cubs (1922) Boston Red Sox (1928–1931)

Walter Edward "Big Ed" Morris (December 7, 1899 – March 3, 1932) was an American baseball player who died after being stabbed in an altercation at a party. 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.

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. 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 and later died.

See also

• List of baseball players who died during their careers

External links

• Career statistics from Baseball Reference
• Retrosheet