Eddie Murray

Switch-hitting legend with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.

via Wikipedia: Eddie Murray · see source

Eddie Clarence Murray (born February 24, 1956), nicknamed "Steady Eddie", is an American former professional Major League Baseball (MLB) first baseman, designated hitter, and coach. He spent most of his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles, and ranks fourth in team history in games played and hits. Though Murray never won a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, he finished in the top ten in MVP voting eight times. Murray has more RBIs than any other MLB switch-hitter; his 996 runs batted in in the 1980s were more than any other player.

Quick Facts

Position: First baseman; Designated hitter
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
Born: 24 February 1956
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 7
Debut year: 1977

Lore & Background

Murray began his playing career with the Orioles in 1977 after being drafted in 1973. In his rookie season, he batted .283 in 160 games with 27 home runs and 173 hits as he was awarded the American League Rookie of the Year. The following season saw him named to the All-Star team for the first time ever as he batted .285 with 27 home runs in 161 games. Murray went to the World Series twice with the Orioles in 1979 and 1983; in the decisive Game 5 of the latter, Murray hit one home run in the 5–0 victory for his first and only championship.

In his first twelve seasons, Murray had eleven 20-HR seasons (leading the league in 1981 with 22) and topped 100 RBIs in five times in a six season span while winning two Silver Slugger Awards. A stormy relationship with the front office led to him being traded in the 1988 offseason to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played three seasons and batted .278 with them while winning his third (and final) Silver Slugger Award in 1990. He then went to the New York Mets in 1992 and served as a bright spot for teams that finished in the division cellar.

He then joined the Cleveland Indians in free agency for 1994, where he would serve primarily as their designated hitter. He had 17 home runs in the strike-shortened season before belting 21 for the 1995 team that saw him collect his 3,000th career hit. In the first postseason run for the team in 41 years, Murray batted .232 with three home runs and a walk off hit in the 1995 World Series, although the team lost in six games. The following year saw him get traded to the Orioles midway through his final season of 20+ home runs, and it was with Baltimore that he collected his 500th career home run.

He became a free agent after the year and played the 1997 season with the Anaheim Angels and the Dodgers, hitting three home runs in 55 total games. After his playing career, Murray coached for the Orioles, Indians and Dodgers.

Reader's Guide

Murray is one of just seven MLB players to have 3,000 hits and 500 home runs and one of just two switchhitters in each club. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 in his first year of eligibility. In the New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract (2001), Murray is described as the fifth-best first baseman in major league history. He was 77th on the list of Baseball's 100 Greatest Players by The Sporting News (1998).

Did You Know?

Murray was the eighth child of 12 and still has nine living siblings: five sisters and four brothers.
He played Little League baseball under coach Clifford Prelow, an ex-Dodger minor leaguer.
Murray attended Locke High School in Los Angeles, where he batted .500 as a senior.
In the 1979 World Series, after a strong start, Murray went 0-for-21 with 4 strikeouts for the remainder of the series.
Murray won his first Gold Glove Award in 1982.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eddie Murray?

Known as "Steady Eddie," he was a Hall of Fame first baseman and designated hitter who spent the majority of his career with Baltimore from 1977 to 1988. He ranks fourth in franchise history for both games played and total hits.

Why is he considered a legend?

Murray anchored the Orioles for over a decade as a switch-hitter who led all players with 996 RBIs during the 1980s alone. His combination of power and longevity cemented his status as one of Baltimore's greatest icons.