Jack Murphy

Note: This page discusses sportswriter Jack Murphy. For others with the same name, click here.

Jack Raymond Murphy, Jr.

• Born February 5, 1923 in Tulsa, OK USA
• Died September 24, 1980 in San Diego, CA USA

Biographical Information

Jack Murphy was a sportswriter and editor for the San Diego Union from 1951 to 1980. His columns helped convince San Diego leaders to build San Diego Stadium in 1965. The new stadium helped bring the Padres to town in 1968.

Prior to working in San Diego, Murphy wrote for papers in Oklahoma and Texas, and served in the Marines during World War II.

After his death from cancer in 1980, San Diego Stadium was renamed San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium. Locals called it "the Murph". His name remained on the stadium until 1997 when Qualcomm bought the naming rights.

Murphy's brother was Mets broadcaster Bob Murphy.