Atlanta Braves History: Dale Murphy - What a career!

Dale Murphy's number 3 was retired by the Atlanta Braves in 1994. What a glorious day that was.

Murphy finished his career with 398 home runs (19th in MLB history at the time of his retirement) and a .265 lifetime batting average. His MVP awards in 1982 and 1983 make him one of only four outfielders in major league history with consecutive MVP years; at the time, he was the youngest to have accomplished the feat. His many honors also include seven All-Star appearances, five Gold Gloves, and four Silver Sluggers. Murphy led the National League in home runs and RBI twice; he also led the major leagues in home runs and runs batted in over the 10-year span from 1981 to 1990.

One of the most productive and decorated players of the 1980s, Murphy led the National League in games, at bats, runs, hits, extra base hits, RBIs, runs created, total bases, and plate appearances during the decade. He also accomplished a 30-30 (30 home runs with 30 stolen bases) season in 1983. Murphy played in 740 consecutive games, at the time the 11th longest such streak in baseball history. His jersey number ("3") was retired by the Atlanta Braves on June 13, 1994. In 1997, Murphy was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.

I think you have to love Dale Murphy as an Atlanta Brave. What a career!!

Tommy Holmes (1951)

Tommy Holmes had his Major League baseball debut with the Boston Braves in 1942. Here is some background on him.

• He was an outfielder. He batted and threw as a lefty.


• He was born (March 29, 1917) in Brooklyn. No wonder he wanted to play baseball.


• His last game was for his home team Brooklyn Dodgers in 1952.


• He managed the Braves in 1951 and 1952.


• He was a two time All-Star in 1945 and 1948

He died in 2010 in Boca Raton, Florida at the ripe old age of 91. May he rest in peace.