Dale Murphy
Two-time NL MVP and five-time Gold Glove center fielder for the Atlanta Braves.
Dale Bryan Murphy (born March 12, 1956) is an American former outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played for three National League (NL) teams, mainly the Atlanta Braves, from 1976 to 1993. A seven-time All-Star, he led the NL in home runs, runs batted in and slugging percentage twice each. He was named the NL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1982 and again in 1983. Murphy won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards as a center fielder.
Quick Facts
- All star selections
- 7 times
Lore & Background
Murphy played in 740 consecutive games from 1981 to 1986, then the sixth-longest streak in NL history. His 308 home runs in the 1980s were the second most by any major league player, behind only Mike Schmidt, and his 929 RBI in the decade tied him with Schmidt for the most in the NL. His 99 assists and 21 double plays in the 1980s topped all NL outfielders. Murphy's 371 home runs with the Braves are the second-most by a right-handed hitter in Atlanta history, behind Hank Aaron (398), though Chipper Jones (468) is the overall franchise leader as a switch-hitter. Murphy held several Atlanta records—including career games, at bats, RBI, runs, doubles, walks, and total bases—all later surpassed by Chipper Jones, though Hank Aaron previously held many of those marks and also had more hits than Murphy. In 1994, he became the fifth player to have his uniform number retired by the Braves.
Reader's Guide
Murphy began his major league career in 1976 as a catcher. He switched to first base in 1978, then moved to the outfield in 1980, eventually settling in center field. He won his first MVP in 1982 after leading the Braves to their first division title in 13 years, topping the league with 109 RBI. In 1983 he became only the sixth player in history with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. His only postseason appearance was in 1982, when the Braves were swept by the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dale Murphy?
Dale Murphy is the legendary center fielder who became the face of the Atlanta Braves during their dominant run in the 1980s. Wearing jersey number five, he succeeded Hank Aaron as the franchise's primary superstar at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
What awards did Dale Murphy win?
Murphy secured back-to-back National League Most Valuable Player honors in 1982 and 1983, cementing his status as an elite hitter. His defensive prowess was equally recognized with five consecutive Gold Glove awards during his tenure in Atlanta.
How many All-Star games did he play?
Throughout his career, the towering outfielder earned selection to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on nine separate occasions. This frequency highlights his consistent performance among the league's best players during that era.
What position did Dale Murphy play?
Murphy anchored the outfield as a professional center fielder known for his combination of speed, strength, and reliability. His range in the middle of the diamond was a cornerstone of the Braves' defense throughout the late seventies and eighties.
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