One of the greatest names in the city of Portland's rich baseball history, Dale Murphy (born March 12, 1956) made the teams he played on better, all the way from Little League to Wilson High School to a 23-year major league career with three teams.
Young Murphy was a lean, athletic kid with a great throwing arm. He hit a growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore years of high school that added 6-4 height and added strength to his existing skills. Dale switched from infield/outfield to catcher, the position he had always wanted to play. He helped lead Wilson to two consecutive PIL championships and played on three American Legion state championship squads, including the 1973 Watco team that finished third in the national tournament. Murph was named All-State twice and played in the State-Metro All-Star series.
That’s around the time he made the life-changing decision to turn down a college scholarship at Arizona State and sign with the Atlanta Braves. The team made the 5th overall selection in the 1974 amateur draft. Murphy took the quick way to the bigs, spending only three-plus years in the minors before becoming a Braves regular.
His career took a turn early after his cannon throws from behind the plate became unreliable. Murphy switched the outfield in 1980 and began the decade of success and recognition. He was the National League MVP in 1982 and '83 and played in 740 consecutive games at one point. He hit 44 home runs in 1987 and was, statistically, the most dominant over player of the 80's. Dale was a seven-time All-Star and won five Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers.
He was traded to Philadelphia in 1990 and played his final three seasons with the Phillies and Rockies. Murphy's career numbers included .265 at the plate, .469 slugging, 398 home runs and 2,180 games played. Murphy played in at least 150 games for twelve seasons and ALL 162 games for four CONSECUTIVE years. Murphy was also known for his extensive work supporting charities and children’s initiatives. In retirement, he has joined in the efforts to bring Major League Baseball to Salt Lake City.
He was ultimately granted several honors because of his integrity, character, and sportsmanship, including the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award (1985), Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year" award (1987), Roberto Clemente Award (1988), World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (1995) and the Bart Giamatti Community Service Award (1991),
Dale Murphy is a member of PIL & Georgia Halls of Fame. The Braves retired Murph's #3. He is still awaiting induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.