Bill Murray (actor)

William James Murray

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 180 lbs.

• Born September 21, 1950 in Evanston, IL USA

BR minors page

Biographical Information

Bill Murray is an actor noted in baseball for being part of various minor league ownership groups and for his devotion to the Chicago Cubs. He was seen regularly at Wrigley Field during the Cubs historic run to a first World Series title in 108 years in 2016.

In 1978, not long after finishing his first full season on "Saturday Night Live," Murray traveled to the Pacific Northwest to film a baseball skit for an SNL special. During his stay, he made two pinch-hit appearances for the Grays Harbor Loggers of the short-season Class A Northwest League.

Murray's first at-bat was on July 26 at Olympic Stadium in Hoquiam, Washington against the Victoria Mussels. Facing southpaw Paul Kirsch, Murray lined a single into left field. Murray's second and final professional at-bat came on July 31 in Walla Walla, Washington. He struck out on three pitches against San Diego Padres farmhand Randy Miller. Murray left the team soon after to begin shooting the film "Meatballs" in Haliburton, Ontario. The movie became a smash hit, sending Murray on his way to becoming a major Hollywood star.

In 1982, he was also part owner, with his brother Brian Doyle-Murray and Miles Wolff among others, of the Utica Blue Sox. He also co-owned the Miami Miracle, the St. Paul Saints and the Charleston RiverDogs. In 2012, he was inducted into the South Atlantic League Hall of Fame.

In 2017, along with his brother, he began production of a show on Facebook called "Extra Innings", in which the two tour various minor league ballparks. The first episode was released on November 20th that year.

He is a member of The Goldklang Group.

Further Reading

• Gary Belleville: "July 26, 1978: Comedian Bill Murray smacks pinch-hit single in Northwest League game," SABR Baseball Games Project.