Johnny Murphy

John Joseph Murphy
(Fireman, Grandma, or Fordham Johnny)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
• School Fordham University
• High School Fordham Prep
• Debut May 19, 1932
• Final Game September 16, 1947
• Born July 14, 1908 in New York, NY USA
• Died January 14, 1970 in New York, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

One of the best relief pitchers of his era, Johnny Murphy played thirteen seasons in the majors, primarily with the New York Yankees prior to World War II. He later was the General Manager of the New York Mets.

A New York City native, Murphy attended Fordham University before beginning his pro career with the Scottdale Scotties in 1928. He reached the majors with the Yankees in 1932, appearing in two games, but spent most of that year with the Newark Bears. After spending the entire 1933 campaign with Newark, he was back with New York for good in 1934. He split his rookie season between the rotation and bullpen, going 14-10 with a 3.10 ERA. Following that season, he was primarily a reliever. From 1936 to 1943, he appeared in six World Series, going 2-0 with a 1.10 ERA in 8 games, and was a three-time All-Star. He went on the voluntarily retired list in April 1944 to remain in war work and ended up missing two seasons. He was back with the Yankees in 1946 and ended his career with the Boston Red Sox in 1947.

Murphy was one of the ten best relievers according to The Relief Pitcher for being the most dominant reliever of his era.

After his playing career, Murphy was a scout for the Red Sox in 1948, and was the farm director of the team from 1948 to 1960. He then signed on with the New York Mets as chief scout in 1961, moving to assistant GM from 1962 to 1967. He was General Manager of the club from 1968 until his death in early 1970, and saw the "Miracle Mets" win the World Series in 1969. He also filled as a coach for the Mets in 1968.

Preceded by Bing Devine

New York Mets General Manager 1968-1969

Succeeded by Bob Scheffing

Notable Achievements

• 3-time AL All-Star (1937-1939)
• 4-time AL Saves Leader (1938, 1939, 1941 & 1942)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1934)
• Won six World Series with the New York Yankees (1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941 & 1943)

Related Sites

• Johnny Murphy at the SABR Bio Project