SL1 Mississippi Braves

Murphy Named to Southern League Hall of Fame

May 21, 2014 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS -- Atlanta Braves legend Dale Murphy has been named to the Southern League Hall of Fame's inaugural class of inductees. Each of the league's 10 teams has an inductee. The 2014 season marks the Southern League's 50th anniversary of the "modern era" which began in 1964.

The Southern League Board of Directors unanimously selected three initial inductees in July 2013 before adding one for each team. Those three individuals were Billy Hitchcock, Jimmy Bragan and Don Mincher-all of which are former presidents of the league. The inaugural class of thirteen will be recognized at the 2014 Southern League All-Star Game in Chattanooga on June 17.

"What an honor it is to be inducted into the inaugural class of the Southern League Hall of Fame," Murphy said. "I have such great memories from my time spent in the Southern League. I was fortunate to play in the great city of Savannah, GA, and then able to visit other great cities throughout the league."

A native of Portland, Oregon, Murphy spent 18 seasons in the big leagues. He retired in 1994, posting a .267 lifetime batting average. Murphy started five All-Star Games and won many awards including two NL MVP awards (1982-83), Lou Gehrig Memorial Award (1985), Roberto Clemente Award (1988), five Golden Gloves (1982-86) and four Silver Sluggers (1982-85).

Murphy spent the 1976 season with the Double-A Savannah Braves in the Southern League, hitting .267 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI in 104 games. He was also selected as the catcher for the 1976 Southern League All-Star Game. Murphy was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 1974 Major League Draft and made his MLB debut on September 13, 1976.

"It was in the Southern League that I gained enough confidence to get to the major leagues," Murphy continued. "The Southern League is rich in tradition and has a great place in the history of baseball. It feels great to be a small part of that history. Many thanks also to Steve DeSalvo and the Mississippi Braves for putting my name forward for this great honor."

Murphy played for three teams in his Major League career but is primarily noted for his time with the Atlanta Braves (1976-1990). His famed Number 3 was retired by the Atlanta Braves on June 13, 1994. Murphy also played with the Philadelphia Phillies (1990-92) and the Colorado Rockies (1993).

Since his retirement from the game of baseball, Murphy has spent much of his time active in religious and charitable organizations. He still makes many appearances throughout Minor League Baseball as a special guest. Murphy started a non-profit organization, the iWontCheat Foundation, and he has authored three books.

Starting in 2015, the Southern League will induct three new members each year. A physical location for the Hall of Fame has yet to be determined. However, a web site will be created and a plaque will be placed in the Southern League office. Below is a list of each team's inductees.

Reggie Jackson, Birmingham Barons

J. Frank Burke, Chattanooga Lookouts

Rosemary Hovatter, Huntsville Stars

Bo Jackson, Jackson Generals

Peter Bragan, Sr., Jacksonville Suns

Dale Murphy, Mississippi Braves

Mike Darr, Mobile BayBears

Alan Trammell, Montgomery Biscuits

Tim Wakefield, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Ryne Sandberg, Tennessee Smokies

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