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Dale Murphy
Outfielder
Batted: Right	Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 13, 1976 for the Atlanta Braves
Final game
May 21, 1993 for the Colorado Rockies
Career statistics
Batting average	.265
Home runs	398
RBI's	1266
Teams
Atlanta Braves (1976-1989) Philadelphia Phillies (1989-1992) Colorado Rockies (1993)
Career highlights and awards
All-Star (NL): 1980, 1982-1987 MLB Most Valuable Player Award (NL): 1982-1983 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award: 1985 Roberto Clemente Award: 1988 Gold Glove (NL OF): 1982-1986 Silver Slugger (NL OF): 1982-1985 Led the National League in on base percentage in 1986, runs scored in 1985, home runs in 1984 and 1985, RBI's in 1982 and 1983, slugging percentage in 1983 and 1984, total bases in 1984, walks in 1985, and extra base hits in 1984 Holds Atlanta Braves single season record for intentional walks (29 in 1987) Ranks 45th on all-time home run list (398) Ranks 96th on all-time extra-base hits list (787) Ranks 30th on all-time intentional walks list (159)

Dale Bryan Murphy (born March 12, 1956) is a former outfielder and catcher in Major League Baseball, born in Portland, Oregon. Murphy is regarded by many as one of the premier players during the 1980s. His best years were with the Atlanta Braves, appearing in the All-Star Game seven times, and leading the National League in home runs and RBI twice; he also led the major leagues in home runs and runs batted in over the 10-year span from 1981 to 1990. He led the National League in games, at bats, runs, hits, extra base hits, RBI, runs created, total bases, and plate appearances in the 1980s. He also accomplished a 30-30 season in 1983, at the time only the 6th player since 1922 to do so. His 1983 MVP year is the only time in major-league history a player has compiled a .300 batting average, 30 home runs, 120 runs batted in, 130 runs scored, 90 bases on ball, and 30 stolen bases with fewer than 10 times caught stealing.

In addition, Murphy also won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards, and won two consecutive MVP awards in 1982 and 1983, making him one of only four outfielders in major league history with consecutive MVP years, and the youngest ever to do so at the time. Also, between 1981 and 1986, Murphy played in 740 consecutive games, at the time the 11th longest such streak in baseball history (since then passed by Miguel Tejada and Cal Ripken).

His professional baseball career began in 1976 and ended in 1993; he also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies franchises. He finished his career with 398 home runs and a .265 batting average. He reached the playoffs only once, in 1982, where the Braves were eliminated in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals. His jersey number "3" was retired by the Atlanta Braves on June 13, 1994.

Murphy's clean habits off the diamond were conspicuous in a league wracked by illegal drugs and salary controversies. A devout Latter-day Saint, commonly known as a "Mormon", Murphy did not drink alcohol, would not allow women to be photographed embracing him, and paid his teammates' dinner checks (as long as alcohol was not on the tab). Murphy had been introduced to Mormonism by Barry Bonnell, a teammate early in his career. For several years, the Atlanta Constitution ran a popular weekly column, where Murphy responded to young fans' questions and letters. Murphy's TV commercials usually had him advertising milk, ice cream, and Canon cameras.

In a scene reminiscent of The Pride of the Yankees, Murphy once promised a disabled girl in the stands he'd hit a home run for her, and would hit two in the game. In 1987, he shared Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsmen and Sportswomen of the Year" award with seven others, characterized as "Athletes Who Care", for his work with numerous charities, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Georgia March of Dimes and the American Heart Association.

Murphy did not begin his career as an outfielder. He began as a catcher, but had difficulties throwing out runners attempting stolen bases. Also, his knees were taking a good amount of pounding from trying to catch teammate Phil Niekro's knuckleballs behind the plate. He was moved briefly to first base and left field, before reaching the peak of his success playing center field and eventually right field, being widely considered the best all-around player in the major leagues for the 6-year span between 1982-1987.

After his baseball career ended, Murphy became more active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From 1997 to 2000, he served as president of the Massachusetts Boston Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Murphy was at one point said to be considering a run for Utah governor in 2004, but failed to generate enough interest within the Republican Party. He now lives in Alpine, Utah.

Recently, Dale has written two books. The first is titled 'The Scouting Report on Professional Athletics' and it goes into the details of the pro athlete lifestyle. Murphy shares his wisdom about balancing career and family, working with agents, business management, giving back, and preparing for retirement. The book has been a huge success among young athletes who desire to pursue a career in sports. The list of well known figures who offered endorsements for the book are quite impressive, they include: Joe Torre, Jim Nantz, Dean Smith, Fay Vincent, Roger Staubach, Jason Kidd, Bob Costas, Stephen R. Covey, Steve Young, Wayne Gretzky, Cal Ripken Jr., Bobby Bowden, Bill Walton, Mike Krzyzewski, and others.

The second book was released in 2007 and is titled, 'The Scouting Report on Youth Athletics'. This book contains valuable information for those coaches, parents, and players involved in youth sports. Dale wrote the book in response to the negative behavior that is increasing due to poor examples set by pro athletes. For example, steroid use among high school athletes reached an all time high of one million users in 2006 due to the steroid scandals that have been splashed in the headlines. This message of this book is as a voice of perspective to those who want to win at all costs. Stephen Keener, President and CEO of Little League Baseball had this to say, "Dale understands that the desire to win and pursuit of athletic dreams must be tempered with the fact that millions of kids will leave sports at a relatively young age and enter far more important arenas where it is absolutely necessary to have a foundation of honesty, dedication, and decency. I applaud Dale for undertaking this effort and encourage every Little League coach and parent to consider his thoughts before the next season begins. It will be well worth it." Included in each book is a separate 50 page insert that includes contributions from Peyton Manning, Dwyane Wade, Tom Glavine, George Mitchell, Danica Patrick, Larry H. Miller, and others. In a Q&A format they discuss the great lessons that they learned from youth sports and how they apply them today. There is also a section written by two world renowned doctors about illegal performance enhancing drug use in sports. The education is very important for young athletes to read before they are faced with the temptation to use these dangerous drugs.

You can purchase either book online at www.thescoutingreport.net.

• Top 500 home run hitters of all time

• Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis
• TheScoutingReport.net - Official Website for Murphy's Books
• iWontCheat.org - Murphy's Anti-Steroids Charitable Foundation
• Plaque at Baseball Immortals
• IMNO interviews Dale Murphy
• SI.com
• Forever a Brave - A Tribute to Dale Murphy
• DaleMurphy.com - The Unofficial Dale Murphy Fansite
• Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Career Hitting^[1]

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	SB	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2,180	7,960	2,111	350	39	398	1,197	1,266	161	986	1,748	.265	.346	.469	.815

Preceded by Bob Horner	National League Player of the Month August 1980	Succeeded by Gary Carter
Preceded by Gary Matthews	National League Player of the Month April 1982	Succeeded by Tim Wallach
Preceded by Mike Schmidt	National League RBI Champion 1982-1983 (1982 with Al Oliver)	Succeeded by Gary Carter & Mike Schmidt
Preceded by Mike Schmidt	National League Most Valuable Player 1982, 1983	Succeeded by Ryne Sandberg
Preceded by Mel Hall	National League Player of the Month September 1983	Succeeded by Tony Gwynn
Preceded by Keith Moreland	National League Player of the Month September 1984 & April 1985	Succeeded by Dave Parker
Preceded by Mike Schmidt	National League Home Run Champion 1984–1985 (1984 with Mike Schmidt)	Succeeded by Mike Schmidt
Preceded by Steve Garvey	Lou Gehrig Memorial Award 1985	Succeeded by George Brett
Preceded by Eric Davis	National League Player of the Month August 1986	Succeeded by Steve Sax