Eddie Murray Finished In The ‘Top 8′ For The MVP Award 8 Times…

Eddie Murray Finished In The ‘Top 8′ For The MVP Award 8 Times…

Always the bridesmaid, and never the bride, Eddie Murray was often compared to the sport’s great players throughout his career.

During his playing days, he finished in the Top 8 for the MVP award on eight different occasions.  In fact, in seven of his first nine seasons as a major leaguer, Murray collected votes for the MVP award in eight of those years. 

Murray’s best finishes came in 1982 and 1983 when he was the runner-up.  In ’82 he finished behind Robin Yount who won the award unanimously.  And in 1983, he was behind teammate Cal Ripken, Jr. who collected 15 votes to Eddie’s 10.

Eddie Murray Collected 3 Gold Glove Awards For His Defensive Excellence

Eddie Murray Collected 3 Gold Glove Awards For His Defensive Excellence

While maybe not as consistently solid on defense as he was on offense, Eddie Murray was more than a capable defender.

In fact, on three separate occasions, Murray walked away with the Gold Glove Award for his play at first base.

For three straight seasons, from 1982-1984, Murray was the best.  I think that a guy named Mattingly debuted a short time after in the AL – he was pretty goo too if I recall properly…

Eddie Murray Won 3 Silver Slugger Trophies!!

Eddie Murray Won 3 Silver Slugger Trophies!!

Eddie Murray was recognized as the best hitting first baseman in his league on three separate occasions. 

The first two awards came in back-to-back seasons from 1983-1984 with the Orioles.  During that span, Murray collected 358 hits while posting a .306 batting average.  He also rang up 56 doubles and 62 home runs in that time.

Murray’s final Silver Slugger award was won when he was playing for the Dodgers.  During the 1990 season, Murray led the team with 184 hits and a .330 batting average.  His power numbers included 22 doubles, 26 home runs, and 95 RBI.

Eddie Murray Is An 8-Time All-Star

Eddie Murray Is An 8-Time All-Star

During his 21 seasons as a big league baseball player, Eddie Murray was selected as an All-Star 8 times.

Seven of Murray’s eight appearances as an All-Star came during his time with the Baltimore Orioles.  From 1978 through 1986, Murray made seven appearances on the American League squad – a very tough task considering some of the other very talented first baseman and designated hitters that ruled the AL.  Murray’s last appearance as an All-Star was on the National League roster in 1991 during his third season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Eddie Murray & The 1977 American League Rookie Of The Year Award…

Eddie Murray & The 1977 American League Rookie Of The Year Award…

Murray’s path to the major leagues is not one that is normally taken.  He was not  a late-season call-up.  He was not a replacement for an injured player.  He actually did what many rookies are unable to do at the young age of 21 – he won a roster spot during Spring Training.

Yes, at 21-years old, Eddie Murray won the starting spot in the Oriole’s line-up as the team’s designated hitter.  A rare occurence, it is not normal by baseball standards for a player that young to capture such a demanding offensive role.  But most rookies are not as talented as Eddie Murray.

During the 1977 baseball season, Murray played in 160, with 80% coming from the DH spot.  He collected 173 hits in his debut season while amassing a solid .283 batting average.  Of his 173, 29 were doubles and 27 were home runs.  He also drove in 88 runs for the Orioles while scoring another 81.

Eddie Murray captured 12 of the 27 votes in the AL Rookie Of The Year voting in 1977 – good for 1st place!!

Happy Birthday Eddie Murray!!!

Happy Birthday Eddie Murray!!!

Eddie Murray, better known in the baseball world as ‘Steady Eddie’ turns 55 years old today.

One of the most complete hitters that the sport has ever seen, Murray is on par with the greatest offensive players to wear a major league uniform.

And since he also happens to be one of my favorites players, and a guy that I enjoy collecting, I will carry forward a ’30-YOC’ tradition and dedicate all full day’s worth of posts to the now 55-year old Hall of Famer.

Enjoy.

And Happy Birthday Mr. Murray!!!

TTM Success: Hall Of Fame, Steve Carlton!!!

TTM Success:  Hall Of Fame, Steve Carlton!!!

A few weeks ago, I sent 5 baseballs out in hopes of adding some high quality, Hall of Fame autographs to my signed baseball collection.

This is the third ball that I have received back now(2nd success) and it looks fantastic.

Check it out:

I told you!!

Signed perfectly, Steve Carlton has a great looking autograph – and the extra Hall of Fame inscription is immaculate. 

I knew that this attempt to get one of the greatest pitchers of all-time would be a success.  Carlton signs through his foundation, and I finally bit the bullet and sent my ball and a donation.

I am so glad that I did – this is now signed baseball number 46 of my collection – YES!!!

Billy Williams 2006 Fleer ‘Greats Of The Game’ Game-Used Jersey Card

Billy Williams 2006 Fleer ‘Greats Of The Game’ Game-Used Jersey Card

There is no doubt that Billy Williams belongs in this set.  One of the most famous Chicago Cubs of all-time, Williams was a fan favorite at Wrigley Field for 16 magnificent seasons.

Williams’ impressive resume displays the following – Rookie of the Year(1961), 2-time runner up for the MVP(’70 & ’72), 6-time All-star, Batting Title(’72), 2,711 career hits, 426 home runs, 1,410 runs scored, 1,475 RBI, and a career batting average of .290.

And the fact that this card features a Grey swatch from one of Williams’ Cubs jerseys is simply icing on the cake!!!

Enjoy.

‘On The Road With psuGator02′ – Florida Marlins Camp – February 19, 2011

‘On The Road With psuGator02′ – Florida Marlins Camp – February 19, 2011

Marlins’ practice
3:30-6:45 p.m.
(started at 3:15 p.m. because players were required to attend the FanFest in Miami from 10-2)
Josh Johnson: 1/1, 0/1 walking to his car, 0/1 while leaving in his car
Chris Coghlan: 1/2 (8×10 in blue Sharpie)
Anibal Sanchez: 0/1 walking to his car, 0/1 in his car
Burke Badenhop: didn’t need him…saw him during the workout and yelled “Hopper” and he smiled and pointed at me
Kyle Skipworth: Saw him during the workout and asked if he had gained weight, and he said, “Yeah, but still not enough.”
Ricky Nolasco: He signed eight for one grapher, but I didn’t need him
John Buck: 1/1 (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie…A member of the Marlins’ staff was shuttling fans back to their cars. The golf cart was going in one direction and the players in the other. I saw Buck, who I needed, so I simply jumped off the moving golf cart. The cart’s driver thought I was hurt, but I just motioned for him to continue. Maybe a scraped knee
Chris Volstad: 1/2 walking between fields during workout, 2/2  walking toward his car after workout……..I’m sure he misses his boy Cameron Maybin
Javier Vazquez: 1/2 (’08 Ginter)…..strict 1-per but VERY friendly…We talked for a few minutes. He insisted that he’s going to retire at the end of the season so he can be with his kids. Also shook his hand. It’s going to take me a bunch of trips to get the six cards done that were sent to me
Sean West: 1/2 (8×10) in blue Sharpie…only three graphers wanted him, but he wouldn’t do the second. Asked him where he was going to start the season and he said, “Miami.” Then asked him what his role would be and he said: “Fifth starter.” Seems the rotation is already set so we’ll see
Randy St. Clair: 5/25 (cards) in blue Sharpie…..”Is that enough for now?” as he finished the fifth
Leo Nunez: 0/1 walking to his car after practice

Fergie Jenkins 2001 Topps American Pie

Fergie Jenkins 2001 Topps American Pie

From the ‘American Pie’ logo to that butterfly collared shirt, this card takes you right back to the 1970′s – even if you had never been there before…  LOL!!

Did you know that as a youngster going through the Phillies’ organization, Fergie Jenkins picked up the habit of wearing long sleeves under his jersey on the days that he was pitching as a way to stay warm.  Yep, throughout his career – even during the hottest months in Chicago – Fergie could be seen with long-sleeves under his #31 jersey…  Just a little Jenkins-inspired education for ya!!!