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Dwayne Keith Murphy (born March 18, 1955) is an American former professional baseball player who spent most of his career playing for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder.

Key Information

During much of his time in Oakland, Murphy batted second in the lineup behind hall-of-famer Rickey Henderson. He was one of the best defensive outfielders of his time, receiving six consecutive Gold Gloves from 1980 through 1985. He is currently the minor league assistant hitting coach and outfield coordinator for the Texas Rangers, after previously serving as a coach in the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays organizations.

Playing career

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Oakland Athletics (1978–87)

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Murphy was born in Merced, California, about 120 miles from Oakland. After graduating from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California, Murphy was drafted in the 15th round in the 1973 draft by the Oakland Athletics, after turning down a football scholarship from Arizona State University.[1] He came up to the majors for the first time in 1978 at age 23. He would spend the large bulk of his career with Oakland.

Murphy struggled in his rookie year. While he only played in 60 games that season, he managed to collect just 10 hits in 52 plate appearances (giving him an .182 batting average) and he did not hit a home run.[2] His numbers improved as he became the A's everyday center fielder. His power numbers grew as well. The Athletics in the early 1980s had an outfield of Murphy, Rickey Henderson, and Tony Armas, and many saw it as the best young outfield in baseball.[3]

The A's made the playoffs in 1981, where they lost to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. In those playoffs, Murphy hit .421 and hit one home run in six games.[2] Murphy's biggest offensive year came in 1984, where he batted .256, hit 33 home runs and recorded 88 RBI in 153 games.[2] Murphy also drew many walks which led to a very high on-base percentage, and had excellent speed on the base paths. He stole 26 bases in both 1980 and 1982.[2] Murphy was also one of the best defensive players in the game, winning an incredible six straight Gold Gloves from 1980 to 1985.[2] His signature play became a trademark of sorts for him – his hat blowing off his head on virtually every play he made, from tracking down routine fly balls to making spectacular catches deep in the Valley.

Murphy hit second in the lineup throughout most of his career with the A's batting behind Rickey Henderson. Henderson credits Murphy for helping him set the single-season stolen-base record of 130 steals in 1982.[4] After Henderson stole his 119th base that season, he pulled the base up out of the ground and kept it. Afterwards, in an interview, he said, "If I could break this base in half, I'd give the other half to Dwayne Murphy."[4] Murphy also credits Henderson with helping him have a good career. "I took a lot of pitches for him", Murphy said. "He made my career, I believe, because I let him steal and that put me in a position to knock in runs. I loved to watch him play. Let him steal second, let him steal third, knock him in. It gave me a respectable career."

During his nine years with the Athletics, he played under managers Billy Martin and Tony La Russa.

Detroit Tigers (1988) and Philadelphia Phillies (1989)

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After ten seasons in Oakland, he spent his final two seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. He played in 49 games with the Tigers in 1988, batting .250 with four home runs and 19 RBI.[2] In his final season with the Phillies, he hit just .218 with nine home runs and 27 RBI.[2]

Yakult Swallows (1990)

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In 1990, he joined the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League in Japan. Injuries limited his effectiveness, and the Swallows released him in August.

Coaching career

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Following his playing career, Murphy began a coaching career. He coached with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1998 to 2003, including serving as hitting coach in 2001, when the Diamondbacks won the World Series. In 2005, he was hired by the Toronto Blue Jays as a hitting coach, first for the Blue Jays' triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse SkyChiefs, and then later as a "roving" instructor, visiting all the team's minor league clubs to help players with hitting.

Murphy held that position when he was named the team's first base coach on June 20, 2008, in the wake of Cito Gaston's nomination to replace the fired John Gibbons as Blue Jay manager.[5] Blue Jays' outfielder Adam Lind revealed at the time that he had an intimate relationship with Murphy, "He keeps me loose", Lind said. "He can dish it out and take it, too. Some coaches you have more of a formal, professional relationship with. With him, you have fun. He talks about how good he was, and I tell him how bad he is. Yeah, he had a good career. At least that's what he keeps telling me."[6]

On October 30, 2009, Murphy became the Blue Jays' hitting coach, following the retirement of Gene Tenace.[7] Along with Cito Gaston, Murphy was credited with helping José Bautista's transformation into a superstar by changing his swing.[8] On November 24, 2012, after John Gibbons was re-hired as the team's manager, Murphy was appointed as the Blue Jays' first base coach and outfield coach.[9]

Murphy announced his retirement following the 2013 season.[10] However, on January 13, 2015, he was hired by the Texas Rangers to be their new minor league assistant hitting coach and outfield coordinator.[11]

Personal life

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Murphy is an avid bass guitar player.[12] He helped fund MC Hammer's first label "Bust It Records" and first album Feel My Power.[13]

His brother, Rod Murphy, played minor league baseball for the Victoria Mussels, Utica Blue Sox and Modesto A’s.[14]

References

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Dwayne Murphy

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Dwayne Murphy is an American former professional baseball center fielder known for his exceptional defensive prowess during his Major League Baseball career, particularly as a standout player for the Oakland Athletics.[1][2] He earned six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1980 to 1985, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive outfielders of his era with remarkable range and the ability to prevent hits through spectacular catches.[1] Murphy spent the majority of his playing career with the Athletics from 1978 to 1987, where he batted second in the lineup behind Rickey Henderson and contributed to one of the most highly regarded defensive outfields in baseball history alongside Henderson and Tony Armas.[1] Born on March 18, 1955, in Merced, California, Murphy grew up in a military family and excelled in both football and baseball at Antelope Valley High School before being drafted by the Athletics in the 15th round of the 1973 MLB Amateur Draft.[1] He made his MLB debut in 1978 and played through 1989, also appearing for the Detroit Tigers in 1988 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989, before a brief stint in Japan with the Yakult Swallows in 1990 ended his playing days due to injury.[1][2] Following retirement, Murphy transitioned into coaching, including serving as first base coach in 1998 and hitting coach during the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series championship season, as well as later positions with the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers organizations.[1] He remains recognized for his leadership on and off the field, including serving as team captain during his Oakland tenure.[1]

Early life

Birth and family background

Dwayne Keith Murphy was born on March 18, 1955, in Merced, California. [1] [2] He was the son of Clarence Murphy, a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force, and Mabel Murphy (née Jordan). [1] Murphy was the fourth of six children in the family, which included an older brother, two older sisters, and two younger brothers. [1] Growing up in a military household, Murphy experienced the frequent relocations typical of Air Force families, including a period living in Japan during his toddler years before the family moved to bases in California, eventually settling near Lancaster. [1] His father's 21-year career in the Air Force shaped an early life influenced by military structure and mobility. [1] [3]

Youth and early baseball exposure

Dwayne Murphy grew up in Lancaster, California, after his family relocated from Merced following his early childhood years. [1] He attended Antelope Valley High School, where he developed as a multisport athlete with notable success in baseball and football. [1] Murphy played shortstop on the baseball team and posted a .433 batting average during his senior season, demonstrating strong hitting ability and defensive skills at that position. [1] Although baseball was a key part of his athletic experience, his standout performance came in football as a running back and defensive back, earning him multiple college scholarship offers, including one from Arizona State University, while receiving none specifically for baseball. [1] [4] In June 1973, the Oakland Athletics selected Murphy in the 15th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft directly from Antelope Valley High School. [2] [5] Scouts offered him a $6,500 signing bonus, leading him to forgo college opportunities and pursue a professional baseball career. [1]

Major League playing career

Minor leagues and MLB debut

Dwayne Murphy was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 15th round of the 1973 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California. [2] He signed with the team for a $6,500 bonus after opting to pursue professional baseball instead of college. [1] Murphy began his professional career that same year in the minor leagues, initially playing shortstop before transitioning to the outfield due to defensive challenges. [4] His early minor league path showed gradual improvement across several levels in the Athletics' system. In 1973, with Lewiston in the short-season Northwest League, he batted .233 with 14 stolen bases in 68 games. [6] The following year, at Burlington in the Class A Midwest League, he hit .220 before an ankle injury requiring surgery ended his season early. [1] Murphy broke out in 1975 at Modesto in the California League, batting .291 with a .400 on-base percentage, 8 home runs, and 37 stolen bases while refining his swing under coaching. [1] He advanced to Double-A Chattanooga in 1976 and earned a midseason promotion to Triple-A Tucson, combining for a .248 average with 33 steals and 87 walks across the levels. [6] In 1977, back at Chattanooga in the Southern League, he led the circuit with 97 walks while hitting .256 with 5 home runs, 28 stolen bases, and a .399 on-base percentage. [1] Murphy secured a spot on the Oakland Athletics' roster out of spring training in 1978 as a backup outfielder. [1] He made his Major League debut on April 8, 1978, against the California Angels in Anaheim, entering as a defensive replacement in center field where he made a diving catch on a line drive. [1] His first start came on April 29, 1978, against the Cleveland Indians, during which he went 0-for-2 but drew three walks and scored two runs in Oakland's 5-1 victory. [6]

Oakland Athletics (1978–1987)

Dwayne Murphy spent the primary and most productive portion of his Major League career with the Oakland Athletics from 1978 to 1987, serving as their everyday center fielder after becoming a regular in 1979. [2] [7] He formed part of a strong outfield alongside Rickey Henderson and Tony Armas, contributing to one of the more athletic young outfields in baseball during the early 1980s. [7] Over these ten seasons, Murphy compiled a .247 batting average with 153 home runs, 563 RBIs, and 99 stolen bases in 1,213 games, while posting a 31.7 WAR that reflected his combination of defense, power, and on-base ability. [2] Murphy excelled defensively, earning six consecutive American League Gold Glove Awards from 1980 to 1985 for his exceptional range, arm strength, and play in center field. [2] [7] He often batted second in the Oakland lineup during his peak years, leveraging his plate discipline and speed to get on base for the heart of the order. [7] Offensively, he enjoyed several standout seasons, including 1982 when he achieved career highs with 27 home runs and 94 RBIs while also stealing 26 bases, and 1984 when he hit 33 home runs with a .472 slugging percentage. [2] [7] Murphy also provided speed and situational contributions, leading the American League with 22 sacrifice hits in 1980 and posting multiple 20-plus stolen base seasons. [7] In 1981, Murphy helped the Athletics win the AL West in the strike-shortened season and reached the American League Championship Series, where he performed strongly in the postseason with a .421 batting average across six games. [2] His production declined in 1986 and 1987 due to injuries, marking the end of his tenure with Oakland following the 1987 season. [7]

Later MLB years (1988–1989)

After his tenure with the Oakland Athletics ended following the 1987 season, Dwayne Murphy became a free agent and faced challenges signing with a new MLB team amid the league's collusion period.[1] He stayed in shape by playing with the independent Fresno Suns in the California League before signing a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers in June 1988.[4] Murphy appeared in 49 games for Detroit that year, primarily in center field, batting .250 with four home runs.[2] The Tigers released him during spring training on March 27, 1989.[4] He quickly signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played in 98 games—mostly as a pinch-hitter and backup outfielder—batting .218 with nine home runs and an OPS of .764 in 156 at-bats.[1] His final major league hit was a home run on September 9, 1989.[1] The Phillies released him on November 20, 1989, ending his MLB career after short stints that reflected a decline from his peak years.[2] In 1990, Murphy signed with the Yakult Swallows of Japan's Central League, appearing in 34 games before a knee injury prompted his retirement from professional baseball.[1][4]

Playing style and achievements

Defensive excellence

Dwayne Murphy established himself as one of the premier defensive center fielders in Major League Baseball during the early 1980s, earning six consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in the American League from 1980 through 1985 while playing for the Oakland Athletics.[5][2][1] His exceptional range allowed him to cover vast areas of the outfield, leading major league outfielders in putouts in 1982 and 1984, and recording 501 putouts in 1980—one of only six 500-plus single-season totals in center field history at that time.[4][2] Murphy's career range factor per nine innings as an outfielder stands at 3.13, ranking first all-time, further illustrating his defensive dominance.[4][1] Contemporary observers frequently praised Murphy's ability to rob hitters of extra-base hits through spectacular catches, including robbing home runs and handling difficult line drives or balls hit over his head.[1] A 1982 Sports Illustrated profile noted that Murphy could "go back well on a ball hit over [his] head … better than anyone playing," while manager Don Zimmer declared the Athletics' outfield—with Murphy at its center—the best he had ever seen.[1] Murphy's strong arm complemented his range, enabling effective throws and assists, such as leading major league center fielders with 14 assists in 1982.[1][2] He often expressed that preventing hits—"taking hits away from people"—was the aspect of the game he loved most.[1]

Offensive statistics and contributions

Dwayne Murphy posted a career batting average of .246 across 1,360 games in the major leagues, accumulating 1,069 hits in 4,347 at-bats. [2] [5] He hit 166 home runs and recorded 609 runs batted in, contributing to 648 runs scored overall. [2] [5] Murphy demonstrated strong on-base skills throughout his career, compiling a .356 on-base percentage thanks in large part to drawing 747 walks, including 39 intentional. [2] [5] His career slugging percentage stood at .402, yielding an OPS of .757 to .758 depending on the source. [2] [5] Murphy's offensive approach emphasized patience and plate discipline, as evidenced by his consistently above-average walk rates during his prime years with the Oakland Athletics. [2] He often served as a table-setter in the lineup, frequently batting second to leverage his ability to get on base and create opportunities for power hitters behind him. [5] While his batting average typically ranged in the .230s to .270s, Murphy's combination of moderate power and high walk totals produced solid offensive value, reflected in his career OPS+ of 115. [2] Murphy's most productive offensive seasons came during the early to mid-1980s with Oakland. [2] In 1984, he achieved his career-high power output with 33 home runs (third in the American League), 88 RBIs, and a .814 OPS. [2] [5] He also reached 27 home runs and a career-high 94 RBIs in 1982, while posting strong on-base figures in other years such as .384 OBP in 1980 (accompanied by a .274 average) and .387 OBP in 1979. [5] [2] Murphy hit 20 or more home runs in four different seasons, underscoring his ability to contribute power despite his primary role as an on-base threat. [2]

Awards and recognitions

Dwayne Murphy was widely recognized for his elite defensive abilities in center field, earning six consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in the American League from 1980 to 1985 while playing for the Oakland Athletics. [8] [2] [5] These honors were awarded annually by Rawlings Sporting Goods in collaboration with MLB and recognized his superior range, arm strength, and fielding consistency during that span. [8] [2] No other major individual awards or league-wide honors from his playing career are documented in official baseball records. [8] [2]

Post-playing career

Coaching and baseball operations roles

After retiring from his playing career following the 1990 season, Dwayne Murphy transitioned into coaching and baseball operations within professional baseball organizations. He joined the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in the late 1990s, serving as their inaugural first base coach during the team's first major league season in 1998.[1] He later became the Diamondbacks' hitting coach from 2001 to 2003, a role in which he contributed to the club's 2001 World Series championship in just their fourth year of existence.[1] Murphy then moved to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, where he served as a Triple-A hitting and outfield coach starting in 2005.[1] He was promoted to the major league staff as first base coach in 2008 and subsequently took on the hitting coach position in the following years.[1] In October 2013, the Blue Jays announced that Murphy would not return for the 2014 season, with the club stating he would retire from major league coaching.[9] Murphy continued his career in baseball operations by accepting a minor-league coordinator position with the Texas Rangers organization, where he worked with players from rookie leagues to Triple-A for five years.[1] He retired from professional baseball following that tenure and settled in Chandler, Arizona.[1]

Other baseball-related activities

After his tenure as a minor-league coordinator with the Texas Rangers, Murphy retired from baseball and settled in Chandler, Arizona.[1] No additional baseball-related activities beyond coaching and player development roles, such as scouting, front office positions, or community initiatives, are documented in reliable sources.

Television and media appearances

Appearances as self in sports broadcasts

Dwayne Murphy has made several appearances as himself in sports television broadcasts, primarily tied to his professional baseball involvement. In 1981, as center fielder for the Oakland Athletics, he was featured in the television coverage of the 1981 American League Championship Series, appearing in three episodes. [10] From 1998 to 2000, while serving as first base coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Murphy appeared in three episodes of Sunday Night Baseball. [10] In 2010, he appeared as himself in one episode of Prime 9. [10]

Personal life

Family and personal interests

Dwayne Murphy married Brenda Grimes in April 1973, during his senior year of high school. [1] They have three children: son Dwayne Murphy Jr., born in 1973; son Scott, born in 1974; and daughter Christina, born in 1979. [1] In the late 1990s, Murphy and Brenda relocated to Arizona while he managed in the Arizona Diamondbacks' minor league system. [1] As of 2025, the couple lives in retirement in Chandler, Arizona, where they spend time with their six grandchildren. [1] Murphy has long maintained a strong interest in Star Trek, collecting videotapes of nearly every episode and Star Trek-themed plates; during his playing career, he had his glove engraved with the name "Spock." [1] He is also an avid music enthusiast, with bass guitar as his primary instrument, and has more recently worked to teach himself piano. [1] In retirement, Murphy enjoys playing golf. [1]

Legacy and later years

Dwayne Murphy is widely recognized as one of the premier defensive center fielders in Oakland Athletics history.[1] His outstanding range and knack for robbing hits established him as a defensive anchor during the team's "Billy Ball" era in the early 1980s, contributing to a highly regarded outfield unit.[1] Contemporary observers praised the Athletics' outfield defense under his influence, and he served as a respected team captain and clubhouse leader during his long tenure with the club.[1] Following his retirement from professional baseball after a career in coaching and player development, Murphy settled in Chandler, Arizona.[1] He enjoys playing bass guitar, learning piano, golf, and spending time with his grandchildren.[1]
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