He spent three seasons in Dodger-blue where he continued his All-Star status and averaged 22 HR and 93 RBI. Murray is also only one of five players to finish in the top 5 in MVP voting for five consecutive years.Īfter the Orioles collapsed in 1988, Murray was traded to his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers. While he never earned the MVP award predicted of him, Murray finished second twice and received the most lifetime MVP votes of anyone who never won the award. Meanwhile, the Orioles appeared in two World Series, winning in five games against the Phillies in 1983. Murray was a consistent run producer during his tenure in Baltimore, averaging nearly 100 RBI a season for twelve years, earning his nickname "Steady Eddie." He led the American League in home runs and RBIs during the strike-shortened 1981 season and established himself as one of the preeminent offensive players of his era. Murray was initially the Orioles designated hitter in his rookie season (1977) and earned the AL's Rookie of the Year award after he batted. The experiment was a success and ultimately earned Murray his ticket to Baltimore. It was in the minors in 1975 when Murray began to switch-hit against the wishes of the parent club. He was only 17 when he graduated high school and was a third round selection by the Baltimore Orioles in 1973.
When the season concluded, the Orioles wisely signed Murray to a long-term, multi-million dollar contract.Ī Los Angeles, California native, Eddie Murray went to Locke High School where he was a teammate of fellow Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. The Orioles, led by Murray, valiantly defended their AL East title that season, winning 100 games but were edged out for a playoff spot by the New York Yankees. The switch-hitting slugger had his first 30HR, 100RBI season in 1980 and also batted. Eddie Murray was one of baseball's young superstars that summer, a player that many predicted would be a future MVP. Eddie Murray, first baseman, Baltimore Oriolesįor most kids opening a pack of 1980 Topps, getting this card would make you hesitate for a moment and smile at your good fortune.
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