HOVG: What was your fondest memory of your big league career?
MURPHY: My fondest memory of my career is definitely the 1982 season. We started to experience what it was like to win a few games and become competitive in the previous years, and then in 1982 we started the season off 13-0! The city of Atlanta, and Braves fans everywhere were going crazy. There was an atmosphere and excitement around Fulton County Stadium that we had never experienced. We went on to win the Western Division and faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the play-offs. They swept us 3-0…not the way we planned it, so that was disappointing. But it was the closest I ever got to playing in a World Series and I won the first of two MVP awards. Great memories for sure!
HOVG: In 1972, fellow inductee Steve Blass seemingly lost his ability to throw the ball across the plate. Two seasons later, he was out of the game. Similarly, you came up as a catcher, but after some difficulty moved to the outfield and flourished as one of the game's greats. Who orchestrated that move and do you credit it to your success?
MURPHY: My path to Atlanta wasn’t the conventional one. I was a catcher, then the Braves moved me to first base…things didn’t quite work out there. In the winter of 1979-80, Bobby Cox called me on the phone and asked me what I thought about playing the outfield. I was excited that they were giving me another chance to find a position…I was running out of possibilities. I got to spring training and started in left, played a little right, and then moved to center field. I’m very thankful for the move to the outfield. I ended up making my first All-Star team that year, 1980, and couldn’t have had the career I had if Bobby hadn’t made that move.
HOVG: You mentioned your former manager Bobby Cox, but your support system reaches way past the diamond.
MURPHY: I look back with gratitude for the years I was able to play Major League baseball. I have to give credit to my wife Nancy. I couldn’t have had a career in baseball without her. She helped me through the ups and downs that come with a career like this. More importantly, she kept our home and family life as our priority, something that is not easy in a public and time consuming career like professional baseball. I have great memories from my years in baseball. And many people helped me get there. Again, I’m very grateful.
HOVG: Your successes on the field are well documented, was there anyone in particular that gave you a hard time?
MURPHY: The pitcher that I feared the most, and a lot of guys that played in the late 70s and early 80s will tell you the same thing…J.R. Richard. He had a great fastball, a hard slider, and his control wasn’t always spot on. His size, too, was intimidating. He was at least 6’ 8” and seemed like he was half-way to home plate when he let it go.
HOVG: Who was the best you faced?
MURPHY: Well, there are a number of them. The short list is…Orel Hershiser, Greg Maddux, Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith. Gives me nightmares to think of facing these guys!
HOVG: That’s a lot of Hall of Famers. This past voting cycle, your family was incredibly vocal…what did that mean to you and, do you think it'll help your case with the Veterans Committee when your time comes?
MURPHY: Last year was my 15th and last year on the ballot. My kids took the opportunity to take up my case for induction to the voters and to the public, and it was really an amazing experience. They did so much for me. I have a hard time saying how thankful I was for all that they did. It was a great experience. In the end, we came up a little short. But, as a father, I couldn’t have had a more heart warming experience then to see the kids “go to bat” for their dad. I’m so very thankful. Some feel that I have a good “profile” for consideration with the Veterans Committee. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.
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