Memories Of Murph

This page is where other Murphy fans can share why they think Murphy was special, what he meant to them, and their feelings on the Hall of Fame issue. If you would like to submit a recollection of Dale, just fill out this form or e-mail me your name and message. Messages can be a few sentences or a few paragraphs.

I'm considering putting all of these messages in a file and sending it to the Hall of Fame or the BBWAA or whoever when Dale Murphy is eligible for election to the HOF. If you have any ideas of where to send this file or if you know the individual e-mail address of a baseball writer (who votes for the HOF), please e-mail me.

And if you're one of the privileged writers who vote for inductees to the Hall of Fame, take a look at the passages below. They're real eye-openers!

My memories of Murph are simple ones. Smiling during games, staying an extra hour to make sure that everyone who wanted his autograph got one. I remember once during a game against the Dodgers, Dale stayed on the field during the other teams BP and signed autographs for little kids. I don't think I've ever seen any player do anything similar to this! Dale Murphy deserves to be in the Hall of Fame more than anybody else I can think of. Inspiration to many and role model to most, he will always be #3 in right field at Fulton County Stadium. He's the best I've ever seen!

I met Dale Murphy last night (9/27/97). He is a great man. I guess you know he is serving his church now as a full-time mission president in Boston, MA. He gave a talk last night to about 400 people at a chapel in Cambridge. He told some great baseball stories. His devotion to God is an inspiration to me. He shows this devotion in many ways. He made sure to take time for each of the kids in attendance. I don't think anyone is better qualified to represent baseball in the Hall.

When I was 8 years old in 1982, I got a new baseball glove for the upcoming baseball season. I had just moved to Palm Beach from Rhode Island so I was born and raised a Red Sox fan. This glove had Dale Murphy's signature stamped on the palm. At the time I didn't have a clue who he was. Then I started watching Braves game on TBS. This was the year of the Braves' cinderella division winning season and Dale Murphy's first MVP season. Dale Murphy quickly became my idol. When I moved back to the northeast in 1984, I followed the Braves on TBS and talked to my friends about Dale Murphy until they were bored to tears. I patterned my batting stance after his and always admired his demeanor, work ethic, and character. It was sad to see his demise which lead to his trade to the Phillies. I always believed that he would have been more successful had the Braves' lineup been stronger. Every time I watch a Braves game, I see his retired #3 and it brings back memories of Murph coming through in the clutch. I hope he will find his way into the Hall of Fame some day. He truly represents what a professional beasball player should be on and off the field.

I first started following the Braves in '82, hung with 'em through the '80s. While I certainly appreciate their recent success, it somehow doesn't measure up to when #3 was in the outfield. A true athlete and gentleman. Baseball, with all its stats, too often tries to quantify success. While, in my opinion, his #'s speak for itself, you can't quantify the impact Dale Murphy had on so many fans.

In a day and age when athletes are celebrities and entertainers, rather than sportsmen, it only makes Dale's accomplishments greater. I wish kids today had a role model like Murph. My fave Murph Memory came on an NBC Game of the Week--don't remember the exact year--when he went 5 for 5 against the Cardinals. With TBS, obviously Murph played for a national audience, but it seemed particularly special coming on network television, in the afternoon. Me and one of my boys from college have vowed to meet at Cooperstown when Murph is inducted; hope to see a lot of you there. Thanks, Dale, and God Bless.

Growing up, kids playing backyard baseball always pretend to be their favorite player. I was no exception, I was ALWAYS Dale Murphy. The rest of my friends liked other teams and other guys, they rotated being different players. But I was ALWAYS the "Murph".

I would rarely miss a Braves game because I loved Dale. He was not only one of the best players of his time but he was truly someone to idol. I knew of his off-the-field duties and worshipped him even more for them. The fondest memory that I have of Dale is when he got his hand caught in the center field fence and required stitches. His continuous games streak was in jeopardy. He came to pinch hit the next night in the latter innings and not only kept his streak alive but knocked it over the fence. I remember watching and thinking, "man, this guy is just simply the best." I only saw Dale twice play ball in person. I regret that. If there was one person in the whole world that I could meet, it wouldn't be the president, the pope, or anybody else besides the one and only Dale Murphy.

When his kids went to Northwestern Elementary School in Alpharetta, GA he signed autographs for the kids for no fee in return. Now if that's not a true baseball player, who is?

I grew up watching Dale, and he was my hero and role model. He's one hell of a man and was one hell of a baseball player. I'm in 100% agreement with you that he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

I had never even seen one single baseball game before I came to the United States in 1985. It was on the station WTBS that I was first introduced to the Atlanta Braves, and to Dale Murphy. I was 9 years old at the time, and from that point on the Atlanta Braves outfielder was my hero. I collected all of his cards; I bought all of his posters with my allowance money; I bought his book from the Braves; etc. I cut out the boxscores from the paper whenever Dale would get at least 2 hits, or a homerun. Then my heart was broken in 1990 when Murph was traded to the Phils. It was so hard cheering for him to do good, but cheering for the Braves to win. I will always remember the Murph--there will never be another player like him.

Living a half-hour away from Pittsburgh I have seen Murphy play in person many times, but never did I ever get close to him. Then one day the Phillies came to town. I was at the field before the players were on the field. Then as Dale finished his batting practice he came over and signed my jersey. I wished him good luck, and he said,"Thanks kid." Now I know this wasn't the most personal of meetings but it meant the world to me, and I would like to thank him for the memories of my lifetime.

Dale Murphy will always be my favorite player in any sport. I became a Murphy fan in '85 when TBS came to El Paso. I had been nothing but a football fan and Murph turned me into a baseball fan and even a player. When I was in high school I joined the wrong crowd and was kicked out but having an idol like Murph really helped me out. I don't think we will ever see a player like him again and that's sad. I wish my children had the chance to grow up in the 80's and follow Murphy.

I think there is no doubt he should be in the Hall of Fame. His numbers on the field are enough; but being such an ambassador to his sport seals the deal. He is the only person I have ever vowed to meet in my life, and I know I will before I die.

This man had such a great impact on my life and many others. I actually moved 2,000 miles east and lived in Savannah, GA for 2 years so I could find Murphy collectibles you just can't get in west Texas. Man, what a feeling! Living in the same city as Murph had once. Believe it or not, Murphy also made me a NASCAR fan. In '89, I turned on the TV and there was this race car #3 and the driver's name was Dale. Boom, I was hooked and have been a Dale Earnhardt fan ever since.

Funny how a guy like Murphy can affect a guy a couple thousand miles away. Like I've said, he made me a baseball fan, a baseball player, and a NASCAR fan. He helped me find myself and the Lord after some bad years in high school, and even helped me decide what city to live in. Thanks Murphy for all your inspiration and all the great times. I know I'll be in Cooperstown when you're inducted . . . throw a smile my way, will ya? God Bless and thanks again.

I became a huge Braves and Murphy fan in second grade. My teacher knew some of the players and took me to see them play the Phillies at Veterans Stadium. Ever since then I have been an avid fan. The competition that he has in 1999 is extremely tough. I don't think he will make it the first time but eventually there should be a plaque with his face on it in the hall.

I, too, feel that Dale Murphy should be elected to the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. I think, though, that he had the unfortunate luck to retire when he did; as there are several other stars who retired the same year. When you think of the stars of the 1980's, though, who do you think of? Gooden, Brett, Murray, Mattingly, Yount . . . but always Murphy.

I have collected Dale Murphy cards since I was a little kid. I think that I had 270-some at last count, including a lot of odd-ball cards. The best item in my collection, though, is the autographed 1979 Topps card (remember the pinstripe uniforms?).

I got it autographed at a spring training game in 1992, when Dale was with the Phillies. He was near the end of his career, and a part-time player, but he was always the quintessential nice guy. The game I went to, the Phillies lost, but Dale homered. After the game, he stayed for an hour; autographing balls, cards, gloves, bats, even peoples' arms. He even missed the team bus, and had to catch a ride back to Clearwater with a team official. It was fantastic . . .

I have to totally agree with you, that he deserves to be in the Hall. He is my all-time favorite ball player. I stuck with the Braves since 1981. I remember the day the Braves traded Murph to Philly. What a sad day in my life.

My most memorable moment in Murphy's career was when he rounded third base, from second, as David Cone argued with the first base umpire. Only a heads-up ball player, like Murph, would have scored on that play.

There have been lots of rumors that Murphy isn't a Hall of Famer-to-be. Well, he won MVP's, homer titles, and stole a few bases in his prime. I was just a kid when I discovered him. He was a true inspiration in my life, and I would like to thank him for being a true role model, unlike the ones today. It's nice to know someone other than myself believes he is a candidate for the HOF!!!

If there ever was to be a man, not necessarily a professional athelete, to personify and represent their field with overwhelming generosity; that player would be Mr. Dale Murphy. He gave to the game of baseball everything he had until the day he tipped his cap for the last time. We often hear players speaking of giving 110%, that is where Dale Murphy walked onto the field at. His level of play, his drive, and his dedication to the game were, and still are, unmatched. As a young teen, I was in search of a role model. That someone to hoist you on their shoulders and carry you through the rigors of daily life. Never did I identify to anyone as I did with Mr. Murphy. I was never into sports, nor did I have a father figure early in life to interact with. When I was 13, I discovered baseball on TBS. The game, as it has with so many others, consumed me a that point. The leader of this mass consumption led the way with nothing left behind but his mark: shoe-string catches, dented scoreboards, broken egos of high flying pitchers who wish they had that one back. I was on the band-wagon and in for the ride of my life. I started practicing the sport with my dad within days. Though I never achieved any level of accomplishment on the field, Dale Murphy, taught me that it was an accomplishment to just try to do something. The homerun after the 'fence' incident has stuck in my mental archive since. This memory in particular is one all Dale-Die-Hards have put away for future baseball reference.

I am now 27 years old and still love the game of baseball. I am a sportscard collector and have been since, ironically, the age of 13. I have acquired many issues of Mr. Murphy through the years. But my two favorite things are the plaque with his first and second year cards on it; and the Dale Murphy autographed baseball I received from a local card shop owner who was a security guard at Candlestick Park. I traded him Will Clark cards for it. The number '3' will someday hang enshrined into the Hall of Fame. To question his inclusion into the Hall is absurd. Never once was this man accuse of cheating, being abusive, driving drunk, or being addicted to drugs. The only two things Dale Murphy was addicted to were God and America's Team. Mr. Murphy, you are a wonderful individual and gave a lot of youth a reason to wake up the next day and chase their dreams. For this, I will be forever grateful. I wish continued success in life, but being the person/player you are, I don't know if failure will even bother looking you up. Again, thank you for the good times and cogratulations on your future induction.

In 1982 I was in the second grade and one of my best friends, who knew a little more about sports than I did at the time, would come to school every day that April and tell me of this baseball team that hadn't lost yet and of their great centerfielder. Eventually, I started watching TBS -- which was new to us that season -- and rapidly fell in love with the Atlanta Braves and a guy named Murph.

Throughout the ups and downs of that season--the 13 straight wins, taking down Chief Nok-A-Homa's tee-pee, the Joe Morgan homerun that put them in the playoffs over the Dodgers, and the crushing sweep by the Cardinals--my love for baseball and especially Braves baseball grew and grew. I would never know it then but that season, my first, would be the only time Dale would ever make it to the post season.

As a child my best friend and I would watch the Braves seemingly ever game and played out the Braves seasons in Strat-O-Matic baseball, so my Murph memories are abundant. It's difficult to choose just a few, but I'll try.

First has to be the night and following day when he put his hand in the old plexiglass wall at Fulton County Stadium. His games played streak (which was longer than Cal Ripken's at the time) was in jeopardy and it looked like it was over. The next day though, he pinch hit against the Mets and hit a home run with a bunch of stiches in his hand. That was the type of player Murph was.

I also remember in Game 1 of the 1982 NLCS (the first Game 1) Murph hit his only post season home run and the Braves were winning but the rains came in St. Louis -- as they did for much of that series -- and the game, only four innings old, was postponed and played over from the start.

Maybe my best memory though was hearing Ernie Johnson tell of what Murphy did after they won the West in 1982. On the plane to St. Louis, Murph started at the front of the plane and walked back stopping at every player and remembered a play that player made to win a game for them during season and would say "That is the one game we won by." He did this for every player on that 1982 team. That is a leader.

Living in Maryland, I would see the Braves at least once every summer when they came to Pittsburgh and in August 1990, still as big a fan as ever, I had tickets to a Braves doubleheader in Pittsburgh. A few weeks before those games, I had just returned from camping and sitting at a friend's kitchen table, I opened up that paper and saw a picture of the Murph trying on a Phillies helmet. I did a double take but sure enough it was him. In the doubleheader, the new Braves right fielder, Dave Justice, who had just been called up hit home runs in both games. It still didn't compare to seeing the Murph though.

That wasn't nearly as bad as the night of May 27, 1993 though. Every morning, I'd pick up the paper hoping, praying that Murphy had hit one out the night before. He'd been stuck on 398 for so long. Not getting to see him play every night anymore was awful. At least you could pick the Phillie games up on radio where I lived. Well, that night I heard on ESPN that Dale Murphy had retired. It was at that point I think that my childhood abrubtly ended. It was one of the saddest nights of my life.

On June 13, 1994, I drove to Atlanta and met my friend who introduced me to the Braves twelve years earlier. He had since moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Before the game, the Braves retired Murph's number 3 and so many people said so many great things about him. I even got to see his eighth child--a daughter, finally.

I was at the playoffs in Pittburgh in 1991 and 1992. I was at Game 7 in 1991 when Brian Hunter hit the homerun and Smoltz pitched the 4-0 shutout as the Braves won the pennant; none of that will replace the fact that I never once got to see the Murph hit a home run live.

I know that my memories of Dale Murphy will live vividly as long as I do and I'm sure my kids and grandkids will probably get tired of hearing Dale Murphy stories--I know my friends now do, but his playing and the way he played the game meant so much to me and were such a large part of my childhood.

In a day where jerks like Albert Belle rule, it's refreshing to think back to the good old days and see the swings, see the pictures, and watch the Mighty Murph in action. I was 20 years old the year he won his first MVP award. I am 35 now, still a Braves fan, and still a Murphy follower. The quote from Joe Torre at the beginning of the page said it all didn't it?

I remember in 1982 when Murphy was trying to get his 100th RBI for the first time in his career. He was stuck on 99 for several games. Joe Torre went up to him after an at-bat and told him "You're trying to do it for yourself. You've never done anything for yourself before, so your putting too much pressure on yourself." Murphy went up to bat the next time, and promptly drove in his 100th run. When he got the ball, he gave it to Torre, and said "I did it for you." Murphy gets my vote for the Hall of Fame!

I attended an exhibition game in Greenville, SC in April, 1987 (Braves vs. Indians). Murph signed for the fans for a L-O-N-G T-I-M-E ! You won't get any of the SWELLED-HEADED Braves to do that now!

I cannot recall all of my greatest Dale Murphy memories, but here are a few, both public and personal. I remember the time Murph tore open the palm on his hand on the old plexiglass fence in Atlanta, and I thought his consecutive games streak (something like 700 at the time) would be over. But he came back the next night, with stitches in his palm, and hit a pinch-hit game-winning home run. This at a time when most athletes would have taken 15 days on the disabled list to recover. I also admire the fact that Mr. Murphy retired with 398 career homers. Most guys would have stayed around for 400, yet Dale, always the consummate team player, walked away from the game because he felt he could no longer perform at the level to which the fans had become accustomed. It takes a man to do that. He also won NBC's baseball popularity poll 4 years in a row. I used to bring cupcakes to school to celebrate Murph's birthday in March and my sixth grade teacher wrote the Braves and told them this. Not one month later, I was called to the office to receive some mail. It was a letter from Murph, with an autographed picture, telling me how much he appreciated the fact that I was such a big fan. All of it was personally written, and it hasn't left my wall, ever.

I think the Hall of Fame committee would commit a greater travesty than the recent strike if Murph was not elected on the first ballot to which he is eligible. He was proof that an athlete can be the best at what he does, put up great numbers, and still be well respected and adored by fans from all cities. The game all too often forgets the good people to concentrate on the Albert Belles and Darryl Strawberrys, but I don't think anyone should forget how much Murph did for the game, the community of Atlanta, and little kids everywhere.

Dale Murphy has been and always will be my favorite player. I grew up in Atlanta and getting to see him play while growing up was a huge thrill.

To Dale: I would just like to take a minute to thank you for everything that you have given to the game of Baseball, and especially to the Atlanta Braves. Growing up in Lawrenceville, Georgia I had the opportunity to go to many games back in the late 70's and early 80's. They were my favorite team then, and still are today. You were, and always will be my favorite player, not only because you were a great player, but more importantly, because you were a great person. I will always look up to you as a player who put his team, his values, and his God before money, fame, or anything else that would stand in the way. In this time of greed and egos, you will always stand out as somebody who cared more about the game. If the voters have any sense whatsoever, you will be in the Hall of Fame in a few years, and I can't wait for that day. Thanks so much for being the baseball player and person that you are, Dale.

Dale Murphy is the definition of an American hero. As I grew up in the 80's hearing about Tim Raines and his cocaine abuse and Keith Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, and Darryl Strawberry and all their drug problems Dale Murphy was the guiding light and hero that I needed. This man was so honest that he would not do commercials for products he didn't believe in and turned down several offers to appear in countless magazines. Now superstars milk their popularity for everything it's worth. When is the last time Michael Jordan or Deion Sanders met an ad they didn't like?

Even though Murph never hit 500 HRs or got 3,000 hits his stats were stupendous. He hit .270 with 398 HRs and well over 2,000 hits. Many of today's stars will never amass such totals. Dale Murphy was the youngest person to ever win back-to-back MVP's. Dale Murphy was the 7th person to make the 30/30 club. Dale Murphy led the league in home runs twice even though he was competing against Mike Schmidt. I'd like to see Barry Bonds approach Murphy's numbers if he had to play for a team as weak as the Braves were. I'd like to see Barry Bonds play in over 750 consecutive games. There is no doubt in my mind that justice will prevail and the great Dale Murphy will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

I've never met Mr. Murphy, but I can't describe the positive effect he has had on my life. He is a true hero. True Braves fans will always miss him as a player and as a man. I just wish he was still playing, no matter how many times he strikes out. I just miss seeing him.

Dale Murphy played when I was a young kid. The one thing that I do remember is that no matther how bad the Braves, I cannot recall him ever compaining to the press about his teammates. He was always a class act. He always gave everything he had. More players nowadays should be more like him. Instead, they worry about who is making more money than they are. If the voters don't think his stats are good enough to vote him in then they should look at his other qualities as well. Good luck Dale.

I wholeheartedly concur with you. Murphy had only a few years in the limelight with the Braves in the early '80s. But while the Braves floundered in mediocrity throughout the eighties, he stood head and shoulders above his teammates. I am hard pressed to name another Hall of Famer he played with - Phil Niekro, Chris Chambliss, and Brett Butler are the only ones I can think of off-hand. Yet he put up huge numbers with pitchers pitching around him, and played a stellar outfield, especially for his size (which seems to be a consideration in Ripken's case). Murph could get your base hit, home run, stolen base, and shoe-string catch all in a day's work. The Hall should feel honored to have Murphy.

Murphy was my first favorite ever in baseball. At the time, I was only 6 or 7 years old, but now I'm 19 and still a strong Braves fan because of Murph and his kind attitude toward the players he played ball with and his affection for his fans. I'll always remember him as the player who made me a baseball fan.

I had not really been a big fan of watching baseball, until 1985 when I passed a Braves game and saw Dale Murphy. He immediately became my favorite player, and the Braves my favorite team. He was an incredible player and perhaps more importantly a wonderful person off the field. I believe that not electing him to the Hall of Fame would degrade it's reputation, as well as that of the BBWAA.

I just wanted to say that Dale Murphy is the nicest guy I have ever met. He coached our high school team this year and he was awesome. I think that he should be inducted into the Hall. Well, that's all I wanted to say.

Ya know. . . they keep stats on just about everything in sports these days. While most big name athletes fight hard to win the triple crown of professional sports -- highest arbitration settlement, most endorsements, and dollars per minute played -- it has always been refreshing to know that one star, Dale Murphy, concentrated on and quietly amassed more class acts, more autographs per game, and apparently more devoted fans, than perhaps anyone who ever played a game for a living.

I would just like to say thanks, Murph, for all of the great moments and great inspiration which you gave to me and many others. Of course, I'd love to see Murph enter the Hall on the first ballot (and I believe that he will) but I realize that, just like homers #399 & 400, if it doesn't happen he's still one of the best in my mind.

Murph's greatest sin was to be a catcher early in his career. If his knees had not left him, his "productive years" would have been prolonged. In his prime, he was better than anyone (on and off the field). Who knows how many homers he would have had with good knees. I think his character more than makes up for those last two homers.

I remember his brief stint with the Colorado Rockies. Murph hit a line drive off the top of the wall for a stand up double . . . off Glavine. I was screaming for it to go over. I'm a die-hard Braves fan, but I wanted that ball out of there!

I think Dale is the ideal player; he wasn't just a good player--he was a good person. I can remember my dad telling me about him when I was younger. I didn't get to see his great years but I've seen some old films of him. I remember the first time I went to go see Atlanta play, the only reason that I went was to go see my hero Dale Murphy. My heart was broke when he was traded 2 days before we left for the game. After that day I made my parents promise me we would go see Dale play. I'm glad my parents kept there promise. I got to see my hero play in person.

Growing up in Central New York (near Syracuse) my friends would always go to the park and say, "I'm Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, Darryl Strawberry, etc." When I said I'm Dale Murphy they made jokes about being 30 games out of first and such. Now the Braves are baseball's best. My loyalty to the club is still the same but the only piece of Braves stuff here in my college dorm room is my old poster of Dale Murphy.

When I had my Bar Mitzvah party at a Braves' game, my mom sent a letter to Murph asking him to come (This was after his retirement). He was busy, but sent me (Express Mail with everything at his own expense) an autographed ball, five autographed baseball cards, and a letter of congratulations. He also sent fifty signed promo cards for my friends, and a letter of apology to my parents for being late (it arrived three days before the party). Even though I've only met him briefly at a World Series game this year, I know that Dale Murphy is the classiest man in baseball. And in this time in baseball, with the constant bickering between owners and players, The Murph's off-the-field accomplishments should be enough for election into Cooperstown, and hey, why not commissioner?! By the way, he was a pretty darn good ballplayer as well.

I grew up idolizing Dale Murphy. I would sit on my couch at the age of 12, wearing my Atlanta hat, and wearing my Braves wristbands while watching my favorite hitter take his cuts. I was there for the Braves when nobody supported them. . . I was there when they were in dead last. . . .I was there when people laughed at the mighty Braves. Oh yea I was THERE!!!!!

If I was given a chance to choose four guys to play catch with for 10 minutes, I would choose: Mr. Murphy, Bob Horner, Chris Chambliss, and last, but not least, Rafael Ramirez.

It was after an extra inning game in Atlanta when my mom had to take my sister and me home. But my dad insisted on standing by the player's parking lot at 3AM to try to get my baseball autographed. He and his friend were the only two there, but mostly all the fancy cars just drove on by. Murphy drove by at first, then seeing my dad stopped his car, put it in reverse, and rolled down the window to sign an autograph. He signed one baseball for me and one for my sister. He is my all-time favorite and should be a Hall of Famer.

When you hear the name Dale Murphy, what do you think?

Dale Bryan Murphy is the most respected man ever to throw on an Atlanta Braves jersey. The kindest man to walk on and off the field for over a decade. A player that was on the starting lineup card day in and day out and gave you all he had ever single time. He captured the hearts of youngsters all across the country with his playing skills. Dale made the Atlanta Braves my team.

Back in the 80's when salaries were skyrocketing to 2 million dollars plus, good ole Dale never complained for the big record setting contracts. He may have been in the top 20, but he never wanted what he could of attracted in the free agency market. Dale understood he was getting paid plenty of money for just playing a game.

I used to travel to Riverfront Stadium to watch the Reds play the Braves in their annual doubleheader with my family from the age of 7-12. Every single year except one, Dale would hit one or more out. Dale would play the game like it was a dream come true. He was a grown up playing a kid's game and enjoying it. People like the Murph keep our cherished game called baseball the National Pastime. That's why he will be in Cooperstown. People respect him, love him, and look up to him. Dale Murphy was a role model to me and will never be forgotten in baseball.

My best memories of my dad include watching the Braves together. We both liked Dale Murphy the best. Of course being a young school girl, I liked him the best because of his sweet John Boy face. Over the years I came to appreciate what a great player he truly was. Mr. Murphy had so much talent & even greater was his kind heart. Not once do I recall him getting mad or cussing at an umpire. He was truly a wonderful role model not just for atheletes, but for everyone in general. After the Dale Murphy era, I lost interest in the Braves and have only within the past couple of years regained the interest that I once had in them. There never has been a Brave like Murphy, nor will there probably ever be again.

My memory of Dale Murphy is that I thought he was a great player and I would love to see him in the Hall Of Fame. I am 16 and have watched the Braves since I was 2. I have loved Dale ever since. My Grandpa knows way more about him than I do and he would like to see him in the Hall, also.

Dale Murphy deserves to be, should be, and better be in the Hall of Fame when the time comes. He is a once-in-a-lifetime type of baseball player. I started to watch him in the early 80's, the last time the Braves were good. He was a complete ballplayer. The only two things that I'm upset that he was unable to do is: hit 400 HR's or win a championship. Another reason that I liked him so much is that he was not only good on the field--he was great off the field. Dale would never just do some commercial he did not believe in, like some of todays players do. He would stay that extra couple of minutes or sometimes longer if necessary to sign that last autograph. I know that he will not be elected into the Hall of Fame for being a good person, but, based on his stats, especially his BACK-TO-BACK MVP AWARDS, he should be elected.

Dale was everything to me as a kid. He is the reason I was and am a die-hard Braves fan. I was there in the good times and in the bad. I am 23 years old now. I started watching the Braves and Dale when I was about 6 (1980), and followed him ever since. He quickly became my hero, not just for his on the field heroics but for his character. Long live #3!

Dale Murphy is what baseball is all about. He is the greatest player and role model I have ever seen. He deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, where he belongs.

In 1982, when I was seven years old, I watched my first Braves game on TV. From that moment on, Dale Murphy has been a wonderful role model for me and beyond a shadow of a doubt my favorite athlete. I wish that more of today's youth had a person like Mr. Murphy to look up to. Today's game is filled with high-priced guns-for-hire who are more motivated by how much money is in their wallets rather than a love for playing the game. I met Dale Murphy on three occasions, and I can easily say that he's just as genuine and classy as he's reported to be. To Dale Murphy, thank you for giving so many people so many moments of joy, and thanks for giving many little leaguers and other kids a wonderful role model. Go Braves . . .

I think Dale Murphy will be a Hall of Famer. There's no way he won't get in. I think he is the nicest player I have ever met.

I love Dale Murphy and he will always be my favorite player as long as I live. The reason "Murph" was so special to me is because you could tell he really loved his fans, which not many baseball players do nowadays. The first time I ever watched Dale Murphy play in real life is when I turned 10. We went to Fulton County Stadium to watch the Braves and the Reds play. I noticed that Dale was on deck and we were real close to the circle, so I went down as close as I could go and said "Hi" to him. He turned around and smiled and waved. He is just a genuine guy. That is why he was and is the best ball player and person a fan could support.

I've never had the pleassure of meeting Murph, and I was too young to see him play in his glory days in Atlanta (specifically the early 80's), but I've always been impressed with not only the type of player he was, but the type of person he is. It's a shame that the Braves traded him right before their worst to first year in '91, because the three guys they got (Parrett, Vatcher, and Rosario) didn't do anything for them. I hope he returns to baseball in some capacity, either as a commentator, a manager, or a coach. I think he wants to return to baseball later on down the road.

I met Murphy once and he is probably one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He was one of the best ballplayers of his time and he was so unlike everyone else. He is a sure bet into the HOF. If he is not, then it is their loss and I seriously question their sanity.

I remember I was about 7 yrs. old. Dale Murphy was on a big consecutive games streak when he sliced his hand on the Atlanta fence. He came up to pinch hit the next night versus Dwight Gooden, and hit a game winning home run.

Everytime you saw Murph he was smiling. The guy was a professional in every sense of the word, even after he struck out you didn't see Murph argue with the ump. And if there was an occasion to argue you can bet Murph was right about it. Baseball right now needs a guy who can do what a Dale Murphy did for the game. He and Cal Ripken are a dying breed. And I am afraid if there isn't someone to step up after Cal leaves, baseball will lose it's luster. But the thing I remember most about Murph was after he cut his hand open, the next night with it all stiched up he hit a pinch-hit home run to beat Dwight Gooden and the Mets and kept his games streak alive. Long live Dale Murphy and hopefully within the next few years he will be at Cooperstown where he belongs. You can bet I will be there to cheer my heart out for him.

I grew up, went to college, and got my first job in the Atlanta area, and had the opportunity to see Murphy play a hundred times, I'm sure. He became, and still is, my all-time favorite player--as much for the way he handled himself, on and off the field, as for his outstanding play.

I wish he'd had the opportunity to be a part of the Braves' "worst to first" experience; that's the only thing that would have made that more special (besides a Game 7 victory vs. the Twins).

I would just like to thank Dale Murphy for being Dale Murphy.

I am an 18 year old college student who will be playing third base for Friends University this spring. Growing up I remember watching Dale Murphy play on TBS and dreaming that someday I could be just like him. I would play in wiffle ball in the back yard with my brother and when I hit a homerun I would say "Dale Murphy does it again!" I guess the Murph was the only guy I remember idolizing as a kid. And even today I still idolize him, and push myself to someday be as good as the Murph.

I think of Dale Murphy as a throwback in every sense of the word. His hard work, onfield consistency, and his exceptional ability to lead others by example I believe laid the groundwork that made the Braves into the team they are today. If that isn't worthy of the hall what is???? -- Thanks #3

All my life I have idolized Dale Murphy and because of him have always followed the Braves. He personified the ideals of the game and ever since he left, it has not been the same. If he is left out of the Hall of Fame, then my faith in the game will undoubtedly be shaken even more than it has been.

I have only fond and glorious memories of Dale Murphy. When I need a pick-me-up, I think to those fateful days in 1986. You know, the night he tore up his hand on that erector-set wall at Fulton County Stadium and hit the pinch homer in a meaningless 7-1 loss the next night. The man is truly an inspiration.

The picture of Murph that is forever etched in my mind, however, is not because of something he did while playing. The night when they closed Fulton County Stadium, the Braves brought back some of the greatest Tomahawks ever to grace that field. The last man to trot out was also the one who got the greatest ovation, louder than Hank Aaron. When Dale Murphy lumbered out to center field for one last time, I could feel the stadium shake all the way from Brooklyn, NY. That in itself shows how much Dale Murphy meant to the Great American Pastime.

My first baseball game that I ever attended, at the age of six, was an exhibition game between the Braves and Brewers during the strike season of 1981. There weren't too many people there that night, so they let my dad and I move up to the front row. During warm-ups, a couple of balls flew into the stands near us. Some guy next to us got two of them and I looked and felt pretty dejected. Dale Murphy, who was standing nearby, came over and handed me a ball. After the game, we stuck around to try and get it signed. Not too many of the players stuck around to sign, but Dale recognized us and happily obliged. I still have and always will hold onto the personalized ball he gave me that night.

Needless to say, he's been my favorite player ever since, retired or not.

Despite the fact that I have lived in the Albany, NY area all my life, I've been an Atlanta Braves fan since 1983. "The Murph" made me a Braves fan from the start. In my own brief baseball career, I played right field and wore his number for as long as I can remember. I admired him not just because of his skills on the field, but becuase of his greatness off of it. In an era of mostly over paid prima donas who have little respect for the fans that support them, Dale Murphy is the last of the "nice guys" that inhabited Major League Baseball. For that alone he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so we can all remember what a true "superstar" was. A person who gave his all on the field, as well as off. And you can bet that I'll be in Cooperstown the day he's enshrined!

When you think of what all the Hall of Fame stands for, how could you possibly pass up Dale Murphy? The Hall is for team leaders, and we all know how long Murph was the leader of a hopeless bunch of players that it seemed didn't have much going for them.

The Hall salutes amazing feats. Murph did something few players have ever done and that was win the MVP for two consecutive years. He led the league in HRs for about 4 or 5 consecutive years. He was the league leader in RBI and walks, a Gold Glove winner, and played 7 years consecutively in the all-star game. He also has the team lead for the most HRs hit by an Atlanta Brave and was one of the most feared hitters in baseball.

The Hall also stands for character, men who did not bring the game of baseball down with on or off-the-field antics. Murph is well-known for being one of the most respected men to ever put on a jersey. He would not take a shower, nor take his uniform (including his shirt) off if women were present in the locker room. He was a part of many service organizations in Atlanta and surrounding area. He was never the leader in bench-clearing brawls. In 1987, against the Reds, after Murph hit a 3-run HR and Griffey followed with one, Andres Thomas got pegged which started a big one. The NBC announcers made a big deal about Murph's nose being bloodied while he was trying to break the fight up.

Murph was just an all-around great guy. Murph brought everything that was good in baseball and in life to the game and Baseball would make a huge mistake if they did not honor him for his achievements!

Dale, if by chance you read this, let me offer my sincere Thanks. You are why I grew up loving baseball and why I am a baseball fan today as well as a Braves fan. I was there with you as a Brave, Phillie, and a Rockie, and I believe that you are truly one of the greatest players of all-time.

I have a distinct memory of seeing Dale Murphy play against the Expos one day up in Montreal. It must have been in the early 80's. He hit a home run that day - the eventual game-winner, if memory serves - that landed in a section of the bleachers occupied by nuns (they scattered quickly, and were unharmed). Quite fitting.

Dale Murphy has my vote. I vowed the day that he retired that the day he goes in the Hall of Fame I will be there. He was my hero growing up, and I appreciate him being a great role model for me and many others. He approached every game with the same hard work and determination. I was a Braves fan in the Murphy era and I was not ashamed to tell everyone. And now, after they are winning, everyone has always been a Braves fan forever. I don't recall seeing them out at every game pulling for them though! All I have to say is I saw Murph bang into the wall and stay in the game, and when the game was over he had to have stitches in his hand. How many players today would do that? I truly miss seeing Murph play everyday. I was hoping that he would be one of the announcers for TBS or SportSouth. I miss Murph, and if it was voted on by the fans I know he would go in the Hall of Fame in the first round.

I was 15 when I became a Dale Murphy fan. We had just gotten cable TV and I was hooked on watching Braves games to see him play. I named my dog, who is now 10 years old "Murphy" after who else but my baseball idol!!!! Thanks Murph for playing the game and being such a great role model.

It sometimes makes it hard to remember just how bad the Braves were throughout most of the 1980's now that they are perennial division and league champions in the 90's. But I do remember the delight of seeing Murphy play up close. My father bought season tickets around 1984 that were about 10 rows back directly behind home plate. My parents would take me to games on weekends for several years. I felt very lucky to be able to see such a great player and person play right in front of me.

I don't mean to take anything away from the Braves of today, they're great. But when Murphy was on the field, something was different, exciting and captivating. My favorite memory was waking up one morning for school as my dad was about to leave for work. He had gone to the previous night's game and had brought home a baseball autographed by Dale Murphy.

Dear Dale Murphy, My name is Matthew Lutterbie and I loved to see you play. You were my hero. You were the only player I watched. I always turned down tickets behind the dugout to watch you play in "RIGHT FIELD"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dale Murphy has been an inspiration to myself and my family. Our successes are in at least some small part a credit to Dale and the example he has set.

When my son, Ryan, was 10 he sent to Murph a photograph we had taken in Montreal. Ryan ask that it be autographed and invited Murph to visit us with his family and do some deer hunting.

What a treat when Ryan received the autographed photo along with a full page pen-written letter.

We thank God for folks like Dale Murphy.

I grew up idolizing Dale Murphy as a kid and always wore the number three in his honor. I played four years of independent minor league ball and always kept in my mind the principles that Dale played by: Just play the game and have fun.

I also feel that it's his positive role modeling that kept me out of trouble as a kid. If I had Canseco, Coleman or Strawberry as a hero . . . who knows what I would have done.

Dale Murphy IS Atlanta, just like Cal Ripken IS Baltimore, Mike Schmidt IS Philadelphia, and Robin Yount IS Milwaukee. For a single player to have that kind of an impact on a city (or region as in Murph's case), it would only be natural to include him in the HOF.

Setting his on-the-field numbers aside, he should be inducted for what he did for baseball off the field. He was THE GREATEST ambassador for the game. When James Earl Jones said "It exemplifies what is right and good with baseball" in Field Of Dreams, they were talking about The Murph!

He is the single reason I am a Braves fan. I had the opportunity to meet him when I was seven years old and even though he was busy with getting ready for the game at hand, he still took those few extra seconds to make a lasting impression on a boy who until then did not understand why baseball is a such a passionate sport. He was American pie, moralistic, and ethical beyond belief. It was this love for the game, fostered through him that my dad and I always had something to share and enjoy, even through the lean years.

I thank Dale Murphy for this and I can only hope that he is honored with the highest accolade -- induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dale, I would like to extend my hope and prayers, that you are selected into the Hall of Fame. You carried yourself with the utmost respect among all level of ball players, and people of all walks of life. God Bless your family and yourself.

He was always a magnificent player. He always gave his best and stood up for what he believed in. He was a wonderful example to all Latter-day saints.

I just returned from a Braves game tonight (which we lost 4 to 1 against the Dodgers). As I was watching the game from Turner Field I glanced across the street to take a look at Fulton County Stadium, which is about to be demolished. I could not help but to think of the games I watched there as a younger man and remembering what a big part the great "Dale Murphy" was in all of those memories. I know there is not a better man that deserves such a tribute as you are doing for him as by having a home page such as this one.

I remember when I was about 10, in 1986, my mom and I had gone shopping in Macon and the Braves were playing the Padres in Atlanta that day. I had listened to the game all the way back from Macon and we pulled into our driveway in the bottom of the ninth with Murph batting. I tore out of mama's car like my pants were on fire so I could see Murphy hit, because I just knew he was gonna hit one. Sure enough, as soon as I flipped the T.V. on. . . "CRACK", the Murph belted one ot of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. I was jumping up and down, yelling, because I felt he had hit that homer just for me, just so I could see him win the game. To this day I can still see the replay in my head.

Dale Murphy was a great player, and a great human being. It will be an atrocity if he is not voted into the Hall of Fame. GO BRAVES!

I would just like to say that Dale Murphy is the greatest baseball player ever, not just on the field, but also off the field. If there were one person in this world I would want to be like it would be Dale Murphy. When I played little league baseball, I would get up to bat and wave my bat around like I had saw Dale Murphy do it. He is awesome, I just wish he would have went for the 2 more home runs. I think he ought to make a comeback, get the 2 home runs, and then retire again. That's all I have to say about that.

I've been a big Dale Murphy fan since about 1980 when I lived in Columbus, Georgia for about 3 years. . . he was my idol as a little leaguer. I always wore #3 and played in the outfield. I saw him play 4 or 5 times in my short time there. I'm 23 years old now and he is still my hero. I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate your efforts to get him noticed. . . Hopefully the writers will wake up and realize we need more heroes and less superstars to show our kids. Dale will always be my hero, and my kids will know exactly who he is/was.

I'm a 16 year old and ever since I was 4, Dale Murphy was my role model. When they got rid of him, I couldn't figure out what he did wrong. Now it has struck me that baseball is nothing but a business. Dale is the only reason I became a Braves fan. I have a huge poster hanging in my room of my role model. If there is anyone who thinks this man should not be placed into the Hall of Fame, then they must be absolutely crazy. He is truly one of the all-time greats and deserves to be where all the greats go: The Hall of Fame.

When I was about 11 years old I remember Dale outside Fulton-County Stadium after a game. It was late and I know he must have been tired and wanting to go home but he still stayed there and signed autographs for an hour and I was one of the last ones to get his autograph and the whole time he had a smile on his face and a good thing to say to all of us. From that day forward I have believed that he is the greatest Atlanta Brave and one of the nicest people I have and will ever meet.

I have been a fan of Murph since my childhood. I believe that there will never be a more kind and giving person to the game of baseball. Dale Murphy is the epitome of what a great baseball player should be. He was a true gentleman both on and off the field. Today's "role models" should realize that it's actions like his that make them great people, as well as the great athletes that they already are.

Thank you Dale for all the great memories that you have given us. You truly belong in the Hall of Fame.

I take pride in being "The Murph" as well.