If you are to bring up anything Atlanta Braves in the 1980's the first name to come to mind would be Dale Murphy. Dale Murphy was an Outfielder for the Atlanta Braves from 1976 - 1990. Dale also played with the Phillies and Rockies from 1990 - 1993 from which he retired in 93. So saying that Dale Murphy has been out of the game for almost 20 years. Dale has been HOF eligable since 1999. In order to get voted in to the HOF you have to recieve 75% of votes from the selection committee. The highest Dale has recieved is 23% that being in 2000. This year will the last year that Dale will be eligable on the Ballot. If he fails to reach the HOF this year he could join in the ranks of Juan Gonzalez and NY Yankees great Roger Maris as the only players to ever be enducted in to the HOF after winning consecuive league MVPs. So now we come to numbers why do I belive Mr. Murphy deserve to be in the HOF?? Let me know if this is enought reason..
- 7x All Star (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987)
5x Gold Glove Winner (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986)
4x Silver Slugger Winner (1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985)
2x National Leage MVP (1982 and 1983)
1988 Roberto Clemente Award Winner
1985 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
398 Career Home Runs (19th All Time)
.265 Life time batting average
Led the National League in HR's and RBI's over the 10 year span from 1981-1990
He played 740 consecutive games which at his time was the 11th longest streak ever in MLB.
1983 He had 30 HR's and, 30 SB's
In 1987 Dale was one of the 7 Sports Illustrated Sportsman and Woman of the Year.
In 1994 the Atlanta Braves retired the #3 in honor of Dale instead of Boston Braves player Babe Ruth.
Out of all of these awards and compliments Dale has recieved there is one thing to me that stands out more than anything else about Dale Murphy. Dale was a player of the people and was all in general great person. Dale had alot of morals and values in him that you dont see in proffesional athletes. Dale was probably one of the best ever role models of the MLB. Dale did not drink alcoholic beverages, he would not allow women to be photographed embracing him and even paid for his teammates dinner checks as long as alcoholic beverages were not on the tab. He refused to do television interviews unless he was fully dressed. In 2005 Dale started a group called iWontCheat Foundation to promote ethical behavior, deter steroid use and, cheating in youth athletics. in 2008 all players participating in the Little League World Series wore the "i Wont Cheat"
patch. This to me is a big part going into this vote. Murphy goes up against possible steroid users in Bonds, Clemens, and Sosa. Who all put up remarkable numbers but yet their names in the record books could have * put beside them. Alot of writers write that the reason Dales career came to and end is because of his bad numbers he put up at the end of his career but, compared to everyone around him using steroids and other enhancements Dale was a remarkable player . So is it fare to cut someone with such remarkable talent and who played the game the way it was suppose to be played and who is a leader and ambassador for us and our youth. I say NO! If I could vote in this HOF ballot my vote would go to Dale Murphy because he is the definition of a role model, he is the spokesman our youth needs. When all they see on ESPN and other news outlets is players getting arrested for DUI or beating their girlfriends yet they are HOF calibar athletes. Murphies son Taylor Murphy has started a petition to help his Dad get into the HOF. You can find the link to the petition here! LETS HELP MURPH COMPLETE HIS JOURNEY LETS GET #VoteMurph trending on Twitter.
patch. This to me is a big part going into this vote. Murphy goes up against possible steroid users in Bonds, Clemens, and Sosa. Who all put up remarkable numbers but yet their names in the record books could have * put beside them. Alot of writers write that the reason Dales career came to and end is because of his bad numbers he put up at the end of his career but, compared to everyone around him using steroids and other enhancements Dale was a remarkable player . So is it fare to cut someone with such remarkable talent and who played the game the way it was suppose to be played and who is a leader and ambassador for us and our youth. I say NO! If I could vote in this HOF ballot my vote would go to Dale Murphy because he is the definition of a role model, he is the spokesman our youth needs. When all they see on ESPN and other news outlets is players getting arrested for DUI or beating their girlfriends yet they are HOF calibar athletes. Murphies son Taylor Murphy has started a petition to help his Dad get into the HOF. You can find the link to the petition here! LETS HELP MURPH COMPLETE HIS JOURNEY LETS GET #VoteMurph trending on Twitter.