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 257+2⁄3 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.