Johnny Murphy: Former Mets G.M. Who Helped Put Together the 1969 World Champions (1962 - 1970)
He would be forever known as "Fordham Johnny" as well as other nicknames such as "Fireman" & "Grandma".
The six foot-two right-handed pitcher became one of the best relievers of his era. He pitched for the AL New York club for parts of 13 seasons (1932-1947).
Playing Career: In 1932 he made two relief appearances. Then in 1934 he began his career mostly as a starting pitcher, making twenty starts in 40 appearances going 14-10 with a 3.12 ERA.
Playing Career: In 1932 he made two relief appearances. Then in 1934 he began his career mostly as a starting pitcher, making twenty starts in 40 appearances going 14-10 with a 3.12 ERA.
found success in the bullpen. This during a time where relievers were not in the limelight much at all. From 1938-1042 Murph led the league in saves four times with a career high 15 in 1941. In his career he made three All Star teams & won four World Series titles.
In 1941 he also led the league in saves as well as games finished (31), going 8-3 while posting the best ERA of his career at 1.98. The next season his record fell to 4-10 but he still led the league in saves with 11.
In 1942 Murphy had possibly his best season going12-4 with eight saves & a 2.51 ERA. He even received some votes for the MVP Award.
World Series Career: In six World Series appearances Johnny was 2-0 with four saves & a 1.10 ERA. From 1936 thru 1938 he earned a save in one game each year. In Game #4 of the 1939 World Series, he earned over the Reds finishing off a series sweep.
In Game #4 of the 1941 Fall Classic, Murph gained another win beating Brooklyn's Hugh Casey pitching two shutout innings.
World Series Career: In six World Series appearances Johnny was 2-0 with four saves & a 1.10 ERA. From 1936 thru 1938 he earned a save in one game each year. In Game #4 of the 1939 World Series, he earned over the Reds finishing off a series sweep.
In Game #4 of the 1941 Fall Classic, Murph gained another win beating Brooklyn's Hugh Casey pitching two shutout innings.In the 1943 Series against the Cardinals, he made two appearances earning a save in Game #3 which was his final World Series appearance.
Military Action: In 1944 he served in World War II & placed himself on the voluntary retired list so he could work in the war effort.
Military Action: In 1944 he served in World War II & placed himself on the voluntary retired list so he could work in the war effort.
1n 1946, after the War he returned for one more season with New York & then finished out his playing career with the Boston Red Sox the following season.
Career Stats:
In 13 seasons Murphy was 93-53 with a 637 winning %. Murph made 107 saves which still ranks at 152 all time. He finished 293 games (126th all time), striking out 378 batters walking 444 in 1045 innings pitched, posting a 3.50 ERA in 415 appearances.
Retirement: After his pitching days he was hired by Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey to serve as Director of Minor League Operations. He held that position for 13 years until 1960 when he was dismissed.
In 1961 he joined his old boss George Weiss who had been running the AL New York club & was now the General Manger of the expansion New York Mets. Murphy would become the team’s Vice President for principal owner Joan Payson, until 1967 when he replaced Bing Devine as the Mets General Manager.
At that point in time, the Mets were bringing up all their talented pitchers like Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Jerry Koosman & Tug McGraw.
Murphy went out & traded position players in order to get Gil Hodges who was managing the Washington Senators. Gil Hodges was the man he & the ownership wanted to manage the young Mets. Murphy would work along with Hodges to make deals in getting Tommie Aggie, Al Weis & J.C. Martin from the Chicago White Sox to New York
Murphy was instrumental in putting together the Championship team & turning the franchise around from loveable losers to World Champions.
Career Stats:
In 13 seasons Murphy was 93-53 with a 637 winning %. Murph made 107 saves which still ranks at 152 all time. He finished 293 games (126th all time), striking out 378 batters walking 444 in 1045 innings pitched, posting a 3.50 ERA in 415 appearances. Retirement: After his pitching days he was hired by Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey to serve as Director of Minor League Operations. He held that position for 13 years until 1960 when he was dismissed.
In 1961 he joined his old boss George Weiss who had been running the AL New York club & was now the General Manger of the expansion New York Mets. Murphy would become the team’s Vice President for principal owner Joan Payson, until 1967 when he replaced Bing Devine as the Mets General Manager.
At that point in time, the Mets were bringing up all their talented pitchers like Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Jerry Koosman & Tug McGraw.
Murphy went out & traded position players in order to get Gil Hodges who was managing the Washington Senators. Gil Hodges was the man he & the ownership wanted to manage the young Mets. Murphy would work along with Hodges to make deals in getting Tommie Aggie, Al Weis & J.C. Martin from the Chicago White Sox to New YorkMurphy was instrumental in putting together the Championship team & turning the franchise around from loveable losers to World Champions.
During the 1969 season he managed to acquire slugger- Don Clendenon at the trade deadline adding his bat to the Met line up that needed more run production. By the Summer & Fall of 1969, all the pieces fit as the New York Mets became the Amazing Mets shocking the world by winning the World Series.
The last deal Murphy would make as G.M. came in December as they tried to fill the much needed third base position, after the retirement of Ed Charles. Murphy pulled the trigger on a deal that sent Amos Otis & Bob Johnson to Kansas City for Bronx born, Joe Foy. It was a disaster, but Murphy didn't live long enough to see how bad it was.
Unfortunately, Murphy would only enjoy the success of the Mets Championship for less than three months. He suffered a fatal heart attack, at his Bronxville, NY home in January of 1970 at the age of 61. The organization was lost & not prepared to fill his spot. Whitey Herzog knew the organization the best, but he was too opinionated & tough for M. Donald Grant to deal with. The team chose Bob Scheffing as Murphy's replacement.
Mets Hall of Fame: Murph is remembered in the Mets team Hall of Fame.