Jeff Schultz

By Brian22

January 15, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this

If Rice is in, Murph should be in. No question about it.

By God is watching us.

January 15, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

If a lug like Dale Murphy ever gets in the HOF, then I’m joining al queda’s farm team.

If that strikeout king and rally killer and pop up with the bases loaded time after time specialist gets in the hall of fame, then I’m going to splice goat genes with a clone of myself and raid a sorority house.

I mean it. No to murphy.

By Crosby

January 15, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

I wish somebody would campaign for Murphy. He is one of the few back to back MVP winners not in the hall. He was never on steroids. He dominated the game for a five or six year period. I know his number don’t compare to the guys now that are all juiced and face mediocre at best pitching 70 percent of the time. However, in his time there was only one other hitter in the early to mid 80’s more feared in the NL and that was Mike Schmidt. Murphy deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He was the hero of many kids in the south during a decade. I know I may be biased because he is my personal idol and hero but I wish somebody could campaign for him to get in!!

By brent

January 15, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this

God would be watching you if you spliced genes or yourself and a goat, and then raided a sorority house.

By Matt

January 15, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Brian22 go ahead and join Al-Queda. Hopefully they’ll strap a vest of TNT on you the first day.

By Matt

January 15, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

Oops. I need to read more closely. I meant to say that to “GIWU” Murphy was the hero of most southern boys during the 80s. He was the reason to go to a Braves game.

By milt

January 15, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

The thing about this HOF issue for Murphy is it seems that some fans need it more than Murph himself. He probably walks down a hall of fame everyday with his family and while he would welcome an induction, he won’t cry like some other losers. It is more of a travesty that Tommy Nobis never made it to the HOF. Big fan of Dale’s in the 80’s but bigger fan of Dale now.

By Veteran Fan

January 15, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

Rice was on a pennant contender, Murph was on one with no one worth anything hitting behind him! A great ball player who gave everything every day on crummy teams and never once used uppers and other drugs like Rose and other contemporaries! Come on Atlanta, it is time to prove we are a true sports town! Someone needs to start a letter writing campaign led by our overpaid and lazy sportswriters to let the voters know we believe in real players like Dale!

By TheAntiMe

January 15, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

I think Dale Murphy deserves to be in Cooperstown. I’m afraid he’s plagued with “Steve Garvey Syndrome”. Too bad he wasn’t a buzzkill like Jim Rice.

Although I really am glad that Rice did finally make it, the fact that 90% of the HOF voters don’t think that Murph is worthy really makes one wonder. Is it true that - all things being even - that nice guys really do finish last?

By Hillbilly Deluxe

January 15, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

I think Murphy’s numbers are borderline. If, however, you use the criteria, was he a dominant player at his position in his era then you can make a case for him. His numbers are better than Gary Carter in every category except self-promoter/media darling.

Of course Andre Dawson, Gil Hodges, Ron Santo, Jack Morris, Bert Blyleven and many more who deserve it aren’t there either.

By dl

January 15, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this

Not only did Murph win the MVP in 1982 and 1983, you could make an awfully strong case for MVP in 1984 as well (Tony Gwynn as well) over Rhyne Sandberg and 1985.

I say his MVP criteria by itself should be enough to get him.

Who has honored the game more by what he gave back to the game and community by deeds and how he lived his life?

Its time

By Gary

January 15, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

Oh man. If his wife hit a snow bank in his home town, he better start driving from now on. The snow has been off the roads for about a week now. Plenty of room to drive a tractor-trailer, I wonder what she’s driving. About the HOF. Was he great? I think so. Was he great for an extended period of time? Depends on your def. of extended is. 5yrs 7yrs 10yrs or more? I’d have to say yes because he was one of the best players of the 80’s. IMO

By Mike

January 15, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this

Murf deserves the Hall. Take a look at Gary Carter. He has almost the same stats and made it. I say he had the same stats, but not two MVP’s. He had a great run and reprsented the gane as a true role model for what the games should be.

By DAN DEACON

January 15, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

DALE MURPHY HAS MORE CHARACTER THAN THE ENTIRE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ORGANIZATION. He has ethical and moral standards that surpass every player that I know of. His playing record stands for itself and is admirable and deserving of Cooperstown. The question is…..is Cooperstown deserving of Dale Murphy.

By Bookman

January 15, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this

The only reason Dale Murphy did reasonably well was that pitchers knew they could risk throwing strikes at him because nobody else on the braves team could hit the broad side of a barn, and even if the braves did manage to get a couple of guys on base, Bobby Cox would run himself out of an inning, “Duh, it’s 2 and 2 and a guy on first and second, i think i’ll send the runners cause there’s only one out. duhhh”

I have a real psychological problem with Cox. I cant even think about the World Series game with the twins without strangling a cat.

By Chris

January 15, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

If Kirby Puckett, Gary Carter, and Jim Rice are Hall of Famers, then Murphy certainly is. According to one story I read, only Mike Schmidt had more homeruns in the 80”s than Murphy, and only Eddie Murray more RBI’s. On top of that, Murphy and Roger Marris are the only 2 eligible players with back-to-back MVP’s not in the hall. Imagine if you will that Murphy played on the Braves teams of the 90”s, he hit behind Chipper and ahead of McGriff or Galaraga. Then throw in the smaller ball parks, he would have hit 40+ hr a year and driven in 120+. In my mind he is without question a hall of famer and for a five or six year time in the mid 80’s was one of the best players I’d ever seen.

By Ted Striker

January 15, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this

Two things keep Murph out of the hall.

(Not that any of that mattered in sum total of world championships, with the exception of ‘95) Apart from than that, Murphy’s teams were tied with the rest of the Atlanta Braves.

Murphy had just as many world championships in Atlanta as someone I revere even more intensely, Henry Aaron.

The other thing that keeps Murphy exiled from ‘official baseball fame’ is this: Low, away, two-strike curveball pitches. Still, if he’d been on a better team, maybe that wouldn’t have mattered.

Still, I’ll take Murphy and his fruitless efforts to save the season (while he could occasionally save the day) over the greed-stricken strike-infested, money grubbing post-strike teams who cancelled a world series and thumbed their noses at fans.

Murphy needs to be in the Hall of Fame less than the Hall of Fame needs Murphy. And that’s part of the problem with present day baseball.

By Dean Mellon

January 15, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

No pussies in the hall, ya got it

By ex-Smoltzie fan

January 15, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

No way Dale Murphy is a HOFer. NO F-WAY. 265 career avg? He didn’t hit 400 HRs! Not that he didn’t try. His last 6 years (1988-1993) he went 556 for 2377. That’s .234 sports fans.

Dale was a bright spot in a dismal era of Atlanta Braves baseball, but he is no HOFer.

Jim Rice played 2 less seasons and had 185 more rbi, and hit 33 points higher. He doesn’t belong either.

By Agent7g

January 15, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox never managed Murphy in the 80’s. If he had been on any team other than the Braves he would already be in the Hall.

By NC for Murph

January 15, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

Vote Murph!

By the real OLD GOLD

January 15, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

Give the Murph his dues!! Put him in the hall.

By Robert S

January 15, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this

“Bobby Cox never managed Murphy in the 80’s. If he had been on any team other than the Braves he would already be in the Hall.”

Bobby Cox was indeed the Braves manager from 1978 to 1981, and was the one who moved Dale Murphy from catcher to the outfield. Murph’s greatest success came after Cox was fired, yet for those first two seasons in the 80’s, Cox was managing him, and paved the way for Murph’s dominance from 1982 through 1987. Those years alone should be basis enough for his entry into the Hall. The fact that he was a nice guy is just icing on the cake.

By Ken Stallings

January 15, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

Murphy’s situation has led to us no longer talking much about Murphy’s eligibility. To us fans of his, his qualification needs no justification. Instead, his lack of admission has proven to us that the MLB Hall of Fame selection process is unethical.

It is a beauty contest where the least deserving of people, reporters, were somehow given the keys to the door. The MLB HOF should be statistically selective. If you are among the top 5 percent of players of your generation then you are in on the first year of your eligibility.

An analysis of the facts reveal that in his generation that Murphy was most certainly among the top 5 percent in many offensive and defensive categories. You mentioned them Jeff. But when you have a self-important group of scribes, they seek out justifications to deny the recognition. It’s all part of the pompous ego trip. To many of the voters, the HOF selection process is about their power in exercise.

By curtis jones

January 15, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

Schultz, an Atlanta sports writer voted for several lesser talented hacks for HOF this year, but not Murph. Sandberg has no business in the Hall if Murph’s not there. Just look at the numbers.

By God is watching us

January 15, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this

Im just a f* from New York. Can you blame me? I live in the crap hole of the world. New York City. Both my Yankees and Mets suck and they have the highest pay roles. Don’t listen to me. I hate life and Im jelous of the Braves!

By The Truth Hurts

January 15, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this

If there was a Hall of Fame for incredible human beings, Murph would’ve already gotten his plaque.

Unfortunately, it isn’t called the Hall of Good players.

His success, on mostly bad teams in a hitters ballpark, just isn’t quite good enough for long enough.

But still Atlanta’s favorite!

By Phil

January 15, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

By Phil

January 15, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

By Phil

January 15, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

By Belvedere

January 15, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

Honestly, if Murph played his career for the Yankees or the Red Sox, he’d be in the Hall. He’d be a media darling, ESPN would still play his replay clips, and every passing day would bring greater injustice to his not being in the Hall. I mean, really, if Carter and Rice didn’t play in NY and Boston, respectively, would they really be in? Probably not. But I digress…

By Josh

January 15, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

Although I don’t think Jim Rice’s selection means Murphy should necessarily get in, I’d like to note that Murphy was a FAR better fielder than Rice, or indeed most other outfielders during his prime. It’s too bad defense doesn’t count with HOF voters. (Of course, then a lot of players who hung around as a DH for an extra 5 or so years wouldn’t be in the Hall, either…)

By vermont 39

January 16, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this

I was a big Murph fan — he was clutch for a few years….injuries cut him short. There were a few torrid streaks where I believe Pete Rose suggested rolling the ball to him instead of pitching it!!! When he was HOT —- dang was he hot!!!! Unfortunately, unlike Kirby Puckett et al. his injuries were not considered career ending…as long as Don Drysadale can get in..there is still hope.

By itpdude

January 16, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this

Murph does not have HOF numbers by today’s standards. Then again, Murph didn’t do roids, didn’t do drugs, played the game as ethically as he knew how, treated fans (including me as a very young boy) extremely well… in other words, Murph was a credit to good sportsmanship. The depth of character Murph brought to baseball, particularly in the face of the shallowness of baseball during his time and before and particularly after 1994, should be considered a statistic in and of itself. And as such, it is a statistic that should put Murph over the top and into the HOF. Baseball and the HOF needs guys like Murph a lot more than guys like Murph need the HOF and baseball. And that is the illustration of the problem of baseball.

I’d respect baseball a lot more if Murph were in the Hall in the next 4 years. If he’s given it by a Vet committee, that would be cool. But it would show the shallowness of character that surrounds the sport today.

By Peerless' Mama

January 16, 2009 2:18 AM | Link to this

“ex-Smoltzie fan”……that’s something to think about but I think Tommy John should be in. If they put Jim Rice in, put Dave Parker in. They put Ryne Sandberg in and he quit early. Oh yeah Bert Blyleven has the numbers but he didn’t smile enough, I guess. Yeah, none of it makes any sense any more. The best hitters and pitchers won’t get in.

By shannon

January 16, 2009 4:22 AM | Link to this

I was a huge Murphy fan as a kid. He was the reason I watched baseball. Does he belong in he HOF, yes. Not only was he a power hitter who could play defense he was also memebr of the 30/30 club when it still ment something. He did more for badeball in Atlanta than anyone in the 80’s. The span a writer looks at is 10 years of dominace I believe he had that. One of the pure baseball players of all time.

By T to the D

January 16, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Of the above mentioned that are out of the HOF, the original Road Warriors, Hawk and Murph should be in. And to think we were this close to having them both…

By JWG

January 16, 2009 6:57 AM | Link to this

Good player in a launching pad my eye! Rice played in Fenway. HELLO!?! If Rice gets in, Murphy should be in. As the commercial says: WAKE UP PEOPLE!

By Gerald

January 16, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

This is in reply to the comment that, “God is watching us” posted. You are out of your mind! I doubt you’ve ever watched a whole game that Murphy played in. To sum up Murph’s career playing with a bunch of very bad Braves teams, he goes 3 for 5 with a HR and 3 RBI’s, then strikes out swinging to end the game with the tying run on third. In other words, he was expected to do it all himself! Dale Murphy deserves to be in. Period.

By reebok

January 16, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was (and apparently is) a very nice guy, but he is nowhere near Hall of Fame caliber. In his last 2 years w/ the Braves, he was the surest out in the lineup. And he got worse at Philly & Colorado.

By Beaker

January 16, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

Murphy is class, in a classless organization(MLB). Baseball used to mean something special. It was the holy grail of sports in this country. It feels as remote as the Arctic Circle. I used to follow Braves baseball (before the 90’s) religiously - glutton for punishment with the Braves, Falcons and Hawks minus a few flashes of brilliance here or there. Macguire, Sosa, Clemens, etc along with the commissioner have eroded the integrity and fanaticism of this sport.

By PUTTING ON THE FOIL

January 16, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

If Murph had walked away from the game after the 88 or 89 season, he would be in, ala Sandberg and some others who have comparable stats to Murph’s stats prior to 88 or 89. Playing the extra years is what has penalized his chances. Also, baseball is more than just offensive or pitching numbers. Being a steward of the game and more Mazeroski types ( Murph was a pretty good dang glove too) should also count. I’ll take Murph over any 500 HR hitting DH anyday.

By Tucke

January 16, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is a class act who deserves to be in the Hall. He is the reason I love baseball and he was a tremendous role model for me. During his glory days he could run, hit, and play one heck of a center field. Truth be told he would be in if he would have stayed behind the plate.

In a perfect world Murph would be in the Hall and Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux would have all retired together so they all could go in together.

By AlphaDog

January 16, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

Dale was more than baseball Icon in Atlanta, he was a Baseball Icon in the south, several have mentioned his numbers, he is only a few HR away from 400, he could have easliy played half a season and got his 400 if he had wanted, but he declined and retired gracefully.

One thing about numbers. Any sane person would agree Pete Rose should be in the Hall simply from his NUMBERS, but we keep him out because of his Off-the-field issues. If his off the field issue are relevant to keep him out, then shouldn’t Dale’s off the field contributions be enough combined with on-the-field performance to put him in?

TOTAL CLASS ACT on and off the field, dominated in an era with sketchy training, no steriods, and better pitching (his production is a classic Bell’s Curve, not prolonged by Proformance enhancers). Moved from his orignal position and won Mulitple Gold Gloves, several players with similar numbers are in the Hall. He’d be a perfect addition and a model for future players to emulate.

By getnathan

January 16, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

I wish we had him in the 90s when we started winning. Poor guy was by far our best player during the late 80s (which is when I became a Braves fan).

By AlphaDog

January 16, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

One more comment then back to work. Who helped support Dale during those years? He never had a great supporting cast, I cannot thing of a single hitter that followed him in the line up that would be considered threatening. Imagin if he had a supporting cast, where he might of seen better pitches, Who knows? Just a thought..

By leland

January 16, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. JS—everybody gets upset about Dale Murphy not getting in the Hall of Fame, but I never hear a word about Phil Cavarretta, playing weight 175 pounds. Why is that, Mr. AJC Journalist? Your pal, Leland

By Alan

January 16, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

The Hall of Fame has become a bit of a joke. There are no “minimum standards of excellence,” and it’s really become watered down these last few years. And the blogger who wrote that defense doesn’t count is wrong. Look at Bill Mazeroski and Brooks Robinson and even Ozzie Smith. Their offensive numbers are ordinary at best — they’re in the HOF because of their defense. I love Dale Murphy — an all-time great for the Braves. But his numbers (particularly his lifetime batting average) don’t warrant his election. Same with guys like Ron Santo — he doesn’t belong in the Hall, either. The position you play, though, does carry a lot of weight with voters, which explains why Gary Carter and Carlton Fisk — both catchers with very long careers — are in. Here’s the thing, though, and I’ve never heard it explained adequately. Why, after 14 years of failure, is Jim Rice deemed worthy of election in his 15th (and final) year of eligibility? Why is he a better candidate now than in 1996 or 2000 or 2004? Either he’s a Hall of Famer or he’s not. I believe there should be a time limit — say, 3 years, or 5 at the very most. If you’re not elected during that time, you lose eligibility. It’s over. That won’t happen, but it should.

By getnathan

January 16, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

Clarification: I said “poor guy” because he was the best player on very, very bad teams in the 80s

By tcooldc

January 16, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Love Murph but who cares about this HOF…most voters have no cred in my book anyhoo.

If a statue of Pete Rose isn’t the 1st thing you see when you enter, but you can find Jim Rice & Goose Gossage inside it ain’t much of a HOF to me.

By Terrible Truth

January 16, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

Human Hall of Fame? First ballot. Baseball Hall of Fame? Sorry.

He does deserve more votes than Mark McGwire though, Murph did his with milk and hard work, not needles.

A lot of folks forget that Murph came up as a catcher. I remember one game with a runner on first. The runner broke for second, Murph jumped out of his crouch and uncorked a hard, straight throw that unfortunately was ten feet over the shortstop’s head. He didn’t even jump, just watched it sail over his head into center field, the center fielder almost caught it on the fly. But Murphy worked hard and became one of the best outfielders of his time. If he had cut down on the stikeouts, (notorious for chasing the outside pitch) maybe he would have a better chance at the Hall.

By BigTimeGaTechFan

January 16, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

No Murph should not be in HOF. Nice player, all star most of the time be cause the Braves had to have a player represent. he would get 20 hits in a month and 1/2 would be HR’s. A little less of a play the Adam Dunn is today. I would put Chipper, Smoltz, Maddox, Glavin, McGriff in before him. If Murf makes it they need to put in people like Greg Lazinski (sp?)

By Jeff Schultz

January 16, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this

Crosby: I asked Murphy if he would ratchet up the campaigning since he’s down to his last four years of Hall eligibility and he said no. So if you want the job, it’s yours. …. Milt: Great post, I think you hit it on the head. I personally would like to see him in the HOF but I don’t think it’s a great injustice that he’s not in. When you think of some other great players who aren’t in – Andre Dawson comes to mind – it’s staggering. … Leland: I’ll call Phil Cavarretta next week. Did you have his bubblegum card? …. JS

By Mike

January 16, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

I want him in the HOF. He was my hero growing up. I savored every at bat he had. My 16th birthday present was a trip to the Astrodome to watch him play - he hit 2 homers thank you very much. I’ve chosen to block his final years from my memory.

By Mike

January 16, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

I want him in the HOF. He was my hero growing up. I savored every at bat he had. My 16th birthday present was a trip to the Astrodome to watch him play - he hit 2 homers thank you very much. I’ve chosen to block his final years from my memory.

By Political Foreskin

January 16, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

As the commissioner wannabe of baseball, I forbid anyone to vote yes on Dale Murphy or Bob Horner in the Hall of Fame.

Ty Cobb woulda chewed both those panty-wastes up in the grapefruit league.

By STH

January 16, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this

bookman, u just have a psychological problem period. Cox didnt coach the braves in the mid 80’s and never was run from a game then, maybe run from the office not the field goofy bookman. Also if you have one good hitter and 8 that suck, ask Barry Bonds if you see strikes cause you are the best hitter - duh you dumb a*, you get walked. Like i said you have just have psychological problems, but I dont care if you get help or not as long as you are not MY neighbor.

By Dave In Tampa

January 16, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

To sit there and knock Dale Murphey’s career is absurd. The people that are have no clue about baseball. However, as good as Murphey was, he is not HOF material. He had about 6 very productive years. To get into the HOF it over your entire career.

I’m not a bashing. I remember watching him play when I lived in Atl. Just not quite a Hall of Famer. Just my opinion.

By bravo

January 16, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

wasn’t joe torre the braves manager while Dale was a player in Atlanta?

don’t think Dale has the numbers to be a HOF….

Rice’s HOF inductee was a feel good story because of the Obama crap…. but Rice shouldn’t be in the HOF at all….. his numbers aren’t HOF numbers….. but oh well…. Obama gets in, so I guess Rice gets in…..

By Vince from Chicago

January 16, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

Folks come on how many guys are in the Hall of Fame with a .265 and 1,750 strikeouts? Yes, he won two MVP’s and one was in a strike shorten season remember. He was a very good player but not a Hall of Famer. Listen, I still think Bill Masorwski is still the biggest joke in the Hall of Fame and it is a shame other players like Murphy, Dawson and Santo are not in. Santo did himself in being a not very nice person to allot of old players he played against and that is why he is not in, the Veterans committee has a long memory.

By Political Foreskin

January 16, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Dale Murphy manage the Braves while Chief Knockahoma and Cox were on probation that time for inciting riots during the Old Timer’s game?

By JSS

January 16, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

Schultz, AT&T collections called and they want their calling card back… Something about you being a Nar-do-well no talent HACK!!!

If I see one more crack about Henry Aaron coming from online blog I’ll lose 20 million brain cells like the No Talent Hack… Anybody who was hear in 69 remembers how Hank, Carty, Cepeda, Wilhelm, Upshaw, and Niekro put that team on their backs for 3 months and willed to them to NL West crown. If Luman Harris would have shown some guts, the miracle Mets would have been sitting at home… Go look up what he hit in his 3 to the post season… It is just sad when you realize just how underrated he was in the field… You still couldn’t seak a fast ball past him when he was 40!!!

Murphy was a joy to watch once got him out of the infield… All of that smarmy moralism got on my nerves, but I still respected him… Still, he had 7 of the finest years in baseball’s history, so let’s stop comparing the two…

By Political Foreskin

January 16, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

CNN just reported that a tugboat made an emergency mooring at LaGuardia Airport in New York City after it sailed through an especially thick gob of raw sewage on the Hudson River. The pod of whales didn’t help either, nor did the irate baby seals who attacked the propellers after it saw the sarah palin sticker on the poop deck.

By LivininAL

January 16, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this

Hey There Political Foreskin- I’m thinking Circumcisions might help your outlook.

By Alpharetta Fan

January 16, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

Murph deserves to be in the HoF! I saw him in the minors in Richmond when I was in college. He was a catcher with speed and power. Unfortunately, he kept throwing the ball to the centerfielder in stead of the 2nd baseman. That shows the kind of athlete he was. At his peak, he was one of the best ever, and should be in the Hall. Not to mention, he would be a continuing asset in representing the game. But one commenter was right when they said the game needs him more than he needs the game. Whatever happens, live long and prosper Murph!

By Rogeriter

January 16, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this

Charector apparently counts for something in Hall of Fame circles. The lack of it has kept Pete Rose and Mark McGuire out. Why should good charector not count for someone being inducted. If it did Murphy would be a shoo in. But I guess only lack of charector counts.

By doug markham

January 16, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is still my favorite Atlanta Brave, and that includes Hank Aaron (whom I admire) and many other players of the 1990s. Dale is the epitome of a hall of fame player who stuck it out with a really bad baseball team. The Hall would be lucky to have him.

By dawgmom

January 16, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

While Murph will always be an Atlanta “Hall of Famer”, we have to face the realities of the times. The Braves were dismal during his tenure; therefore, he will never get the recognition he deserves. As a native Atlantan and Braves fan since the beginning, I will always hold a special place in my heart for Murph, and will be saddened that the rest of the country cannot appreciate what he did for Atlanta and the Braves.

By floridafalcon

January 16, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

I worked in Boston from 96-04, and just by chance I read a story in the Boston Globe about Dale murphy being in Boston doing some stuff for a church up there. I called the church and left a message, i never thought I would hear back but I did! Man, I felt like a little kid when I heard him on the line. He didn’t know why I called but when he called back, I told him thanks for the memories. how I grew up in Georgia and watched him on TBS, he was so gracious. I kept thinking that I might hear the phone hanging up on me but he took the time to listen to me. He didn’t know a darn thing about me but he took the time. What a classy human being. I don’t look up to any of these athlete because you keep hearing the same garbage from them all the time. It sickens me that Mr. murphy is not in the baseball hall of fame but I know he’s in thousands of kids personal halls of fame. Dale Bryan Murphy, for all it’s worth, you’re in my hall of fame. Along with God, Jesus, and my parents. Many blessings to the Murphy family. Dorrel

By John

January 16, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

I am so glad to know that people posting on this board are not actual HOF voters. I really like Dale, don’t get me wrong but if you think that he deserves to go to the HOF with his stats, then you don’t know baseball.

By Fracutre

January 16, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

In response to John “if you think that he deserves to go to the HOF with his stats, then you don’t know baseball”,

I think the point that folks are making is that the problem is there ARE people in the HOF with his stats.

Now I would have to agree that he doesn’t deserve to be there, but the others made it. So since they’re there, what do you do? You can’t kick them out.

I think any time you vote someone in because their stats are similar to someone else’s stats that are in, you lower the bar just a little bit more.

Sorry Murph!

By Barry

January 16, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

Murph and The Hawk should both be in the Hall. Overall, they both had better numbers than Rice. But Rice played in Boston and Murphy played in Atlanta. There’s your difference. As for Dawson … I’m baffled. I can’t see how that guy isn’t in the Hall yet. He was one of the two best five-tool outfielders from the 80’s.

The other? Dale Murphy.

But we’ve forgotten their greatness, speed, defense, grit, sportsmanship, dedication and pride. Both were class acts and I was lucky enough to see one play on WGN in the afternoons and the other every night on TBS.

They deserve to be honored.

By Barry

January 16, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

As far as number are concerned, FRACUTRE …

If Murphy would’ve played from 1995 to now, he would’ve hit 500 bombs and batted a career .320. Pitching was better in the ’80s. The philosophy of the game was different. There are guys pitching in the show now that never would’ve made it in the ’80s. Also, the parks were bigger in the ’80s. The New Comiskey and Camden Yard began a trend of smaller, more hitter-friendly fields. Nobody looks at the fact Murphy played in the National League. Whereas in the American League in the ’80s, hitters saw way more fastballs than what a National Leaguer would’ve seen. Yes, a guy like Jim Rice saw more fastballs than a guy like Murphy. Pitchers 20 years ago in the Senior Circuit threw a steady diet or breaking pitches and off-speed pitches and most of those guys could really pitch. An ERA above 3.50 back then was a BAD thing if you were a starter. Nowadays, you can get 4 years at 80 million for a 4.50 ERA and 200 innings. By the same token, back then if you went .280/30/100 as a hitter, you were considered a bonafide offensive threat. Today, those numbers are common. It doesn’t mean the players today are better. The game has just changed.

WHATEVER … When you look at all the factors of an era, that is the only way you can measure a players greatness — how great he was in his era. That is why Murphy should be in the hall. Even on bad teams, he dominated baseball for the better part of a decade. As did Dawson. I would passionately make a case for both men. The both deserve to be there.

By slim

January 16, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

These are the guys that Bill James says don’t belong in the HOF: Fred Lindstrom, Jesse Haines, Tommy McCarthy, Lloyd Waner, George Kelly, Ross Youngs, Roger Bresnahan, Earle Combs, Jim Bottomley, and Chick Hafey.

Murphy meets this threshold—he should be in there.

By John

January 16, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

So your reasoning for Dale to get in is to say “These other guys got in, why not Dale?” I agree that some shouldn’t be in but your answer is to put more in the HOF that don’t deserve to be there?

By bbill

January 17, 2009 6:49 AM | Link to this

Murphy played on some terrible teams often in front of 2 or 3 thousand fans, Don Drysdale is the worst selection and his numbers compare to Milt Pappas but he died with good timing and he was a broadcaster who the media got behind. I am not sure Murph belongs in the hall as it was originally intended but this new hall surely should have him as a member. THERE ARE TOO MANY MARGINAL PLAYERS IN THE HALL BUT THAT IS BECAUSE TV AND MEDIA COVERAGE MAKE EVERYBODY LARGER THAT THEY ARE. Put in Maris take out Perez from the big red machine, Don’t even bother to check his numbers that do not add up. Oh by the way Jackie Robinson was a 270 hitter over his career because of his fall off at the end too.

By richbrave

January 17, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

DALE MURPHY. One of those cusp guys. If those knees hadn’t been seriously aged by catching, I think two more years of big numbers would have put him in. With the record done, I think the veterans committee must consider him ultimately. He won’t make it without an organized push on some group’s part.

By Political Foreskin

January 17, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

Oh, 4 pete’s sakes vote him in. Then we wont have to hear about dale murphy anymore.

There are so many other aspects about baseball, like the arbitrary strike zone, and the instant replay rule, that deserve our attention, and everyone is talking about someone I haven’t thought about in twenty years?

He’s was okay. So what. I was okay, till I got married, then I was a mess. I’m okay now, though, and there’s been no lasting harm to my psyche…..at all…..

By larry

January 17, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

I remember a throw Murph made when he first came up as a catcher against San Diego, i think Rowland Office caughtthis text will be italic it on the fly. Murphy and Dawson are forever linked as two of the best players of the 80’s , hands down. Both were five tool players that could defeat you by themselves. And both should be in the Hall. And i will gladly join a movement to put Murphy in the hall.

By Pago Flyer

January 17, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

Perhaps if Dale was a “man of color” he’d be in by now!

By trottsky

January 17, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

So Jeff, you never said………..have you voted for Dale to be in?

Typical Dale to say he won’t campaign for it. Why should he? That’s what we are for. Those of us who remember that he was one of the few bright spots along with Niekro in those ugly days.

God love you, Dale. You’ll always be in the Hall of Fame of all of our hearts. The hearts of little boys,now geezers, but little boys at heart.

By Stonewall Blauser

January 17, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

I think that we are all upset because the Braves were the only team in the SOUTH, Murphy was the best Brave of the time, and our best is apparently not good enough for the Hall of Fame in the North (Cooperstown, New York).

Its like Sherman has marched through Atlanta again. Damn Yankees.

By Max Tayback

January 18, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

War is hell…..

By RANDY BONDURANT

January 18, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH BLY THE VOTING IS A BUNCH OF CRAP! BOTH MURPHY AND ANDRE DAWSON KEEP GETTING SNUBBED EVERY YEAR AND IF THOSE 2 PLAYERS DON’T DESERVE TO BE IN THE HALL THEN THE INTIRE HALL OF FAME IS JUST A BUNCH OF CRAP! BOTH MURPHY AND DAWSON HAVE BETTER STATS THAN MANY INDUCTIES ALREADY IN WELL I GUESS THERE IS HOPE IN THE FUTURE AS JIM RICE FINALLY GOT HIS CALL THIS YEAR AND HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN VOTED IN YEARS AGO AS WELL!! SO WITH THAT IF NOTHING ELSE I WOULD SAY THERE IS HOPE THAT THE INTEGRITY OF HALL OF FAME VOTING IS MORE IN QUESTION THAN THE PLAYERS THAT KEEP GETTING SNUBBED IF YOU ASK ME!!! WE SHOULD MAYBE CHECK THE STATS AND INTEGRITY OF THE VOTERS THERE THE ONES WHO KEEP GETTING THINGS WRONG EVERY YEAR! RICE IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE WHY IS HE WORTHY THIS YEAR AND NOT SO MANY YEARS BEFORE HIS STATS ARE STILL THE SAME!!

By slim

January 18, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

I’d still say that Murphy should get in. Larry is right: during the 80s, Dawson and Murphy were two of the most feared hitters in the game. This was a pre-steroid, bit of a deadball era for baseball, and it seems like the players from the 1975-85 time frame are suffering because of this fact. This is most obvious if you watch a game on ESPN classic and notice how much skinnier players were back then in the arms and legs.

It’s hard to tell if there will be any more 300 game winners. So perhaps we shouldn’t let any more pitchers into the HOF?

By Night Train Lane

January 19, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Are there some artifacts inside the Hall Of Fame that are considered priceless?

Ty Cobb’s cleates. Lou Gehrig’s mic. Joe Dimaggio’s anything. Babe Ruth’s George Foreman Grill? Shoeless Joe Jackson’s socks?

I wonder how much people would pay for sacred baseball relics?

Baseball cards. How much is the Honus Wagner card going for today?

sounds like a job for google.

By Robert

January 20, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

I like Murphy as much as anyone. But I think we’d be better served mounting a campaign for Fred McGriff. With all of the hyper-inflated stats of the steroid era, there are some knuckleheads in the media who don’t think McGriff deserves to get in. He is eligible for the first time next year. My bet is that he doesn’t make it. Hopefully it doesn’t take as long as it did for Rice.

By Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley

January 21, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Its called the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Better Than Average.

I think it is ridiculous that Jim Rice was elected into the Hall, but just because the standards for admission have been continually lowered over the past few years, isn’t a reason to keep lowering them.

Murphy was an MVP for two seasons. He had about 5 seasons of being among the elite hitters in the game at that time. But that doesn’t make a HOFer. HOF should denote some absolute measure of success, not relative.

MVP awards and all-star appearances don’t overcome the fact that a .265 hitter, with fewer than 400 HRs shouldn’t be enshrined in the same place as Ruth, Williams, Mantle, Aaron, Murray, or Dimaggio.

Please let it go folks. He’s not in the Hall. He shouldn’t be. Time to move on.

By Kentavo

January 22, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Let’s just wait ‘til Chipper, Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz are all enshrined.

Sorry, Andruw, you could have been a shoo-in, too.