Dale Murphy Two MVP Awards
Two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star 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. Playing on frequently poor teams that posted only three winning seasons in his 15 years with Atlanta, he was named the NL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1982 after leading the Braves to their first division title in 13 years, topping the league with 109 RBI. He was again named the MVP in 1983 after improving his batting figures in nearly every category, batting .302 with a career-high 121 RBI, and becoming only the sixth player in history with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season.
- Team
- Atlanta Braves
- League
- National League
- Award Years
- 1982, 1983
- Position
- Center Fielder
- Status
- Retired Legend
Lore & Background
A model of reliability in the Braves lineup, he 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 Andre Dawson for the most in the NL, despite the Braves posting the league's worst record in that time. Highly regarded for his throwing arm, Murphy won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards as a center fielder, and his 99 assists and 21 double plays in the 1980s topped all NL outfielders.
In Their Own Story
The humid Georgia air hangs heavy over Atlanta-Fulton Stadium as the evening sun dips below the outfield wall. The crowd roars, a sea of red caps bobbing in anticipation. Murphy steps into the batter's box, chalk dust on his knees, eyes locked on the pitcher. He swings with effortless grace, sending the ball soaring deep into the night sky. It is not just a home run; it is another chapter written in the history books of Atlanta baseball.
Reader's Guide
Murphy's 398 career home runs ranked sixth in NL history among right-handed hitters when he retired, and his 202 home runs as a center fielder ranked ninth in major league history; his .469 slugging percentage was the fifth highest among NL players with 1,000 games in center field. His 371 home runs with the Braves remain the Atlanta record for a right-handed hitter, and he also set Atlanta records for career games (1,926), at bats (7,098), hits (1,901), RBI (1,143), runs (1,103), doubles (306), walks (912) and total bases (3,394), all of which were later broken by Chipper Jones. In 1994, he became the fifth player to have his uniform number retired by the Braves. Murphy was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 1995, and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
Did You Know?
- Murphy was a seven-time All-Star, not eight.
- He won back-to-back MVP awards in 1982 and 1983.
- He hit 30 home runs and stole 30 bases in 1983, becoming the sixth player in history to do so.
- Murphy played in 740 consecutive games from 1981 to 1986, then the sixth-longest streak in NL history.
- He won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards as a center fielder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dale Murphy's two MVP awards?
Dale Murphy won consecutive Most Valuable Player honors for the National League in 1982 and 1983 while playing center field for the Atlanta Braves. These back-to-back titles marked the peak of his early career and established him as a dominant force during that era.
Who is Dale Murphy to Braves fans?
Known affectionately as 'Murph,' he is revered as one of the franchise's greatest legends who defined a golden age for the team in the early 1980s. His clean-cut image and powerful swing made him an enduring symbol of professional baseball excellence.
Why are these two MVP awards significant?
Winning the award twice in a row cemented Murphy's status not just as a star for Atlanta, but as one of the premier talents across all of Major League Baseball. This achievement highlighted his consistency and superiority among his peers during those seasons.
What position did Dale Murphy play when he won MVP?
He earned both accolades while serving as the starting center fielder for the Atlanta Braves. His defensive prowess in the outfield, combined with his offensive production, made him an invaluable asset to the lineup.
When exactly did Dale Murphy win these awards?
The Golden Boy secured his first MVP title at the conclusion of the 1982 season and followed it up immediately with a second award after the 1983 campaign. This run of success remains a defining chapter in Braves history.
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