American · St. Louis, USA · Born 19 February 1956American baseball first baseman and designated hitter who played 21 MLB seasons, collecting 3,255 hits and 504 home runs for the Hall of Fame.
Born in Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 1956, Edward Clarence Murray developed his switch-hitting abilities during his youth before being selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the third round of the 1973 amateur draft. Murray progressed through the minor league system and made his major league debut in 1977, immediately establishing himself as a cornerstone player for the franchise. Murray's peak years came during his tenure with Baltimore from 1977 to 1988, where he anchored first base and provided consistent offensive production. He earned American League Rookie of the Year honors in 1977 after batting .283 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs. Throughout the early 1980s, Murray consistently drove in over 100 runs annually, reaching a career-high 124 RBIs in 1985. His switch-hitting prowess allowed him to maintain effectiveness against both left- and right-handed pitching, while his exceptional plate discipline resulted in more career walks than strikeouts. Murray played a crucial role in Baltimore's 1983 World Series championship team. After leaving Baltimore, Murray continued his productive career with several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, and Anaheim Angels. He achieved the milestone of 500 home runs in 1996 and reached 3,000 hits in 1999, joining Hank Aaron as the only player to accomplish both feats. Murray finished his 21-year career with 504 home runs, 3,255 hits, and 1,917 RBIs. His remarkable durability was evidenced by playing in over 150 games in 14 different seasons. Murray's legacy rests on his combination of power, consistency, and longevity. His nickname "Steady Eddie" reflected his reliable performance and professional approach throughout his career. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Murray in 2003, recognizing his status among baseball's elite offensive performers. His achievements as a switch-hitter and his membership in the exclusive 500-home run, 3,000-hit club cement his place among the game's all-time greats.
Switch-hitting first baseman, consistent power and RBI production
How They Played
Switch-hitting first baseman with excellent plate discipline and gap power
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame first baseman known for quiet leadership and clutch hitting
Career Honours
- World Series champion (1983)
- AL MVP (1982)
- AL Rookie of the Year (1977)
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Orioles | 1977–1988 | 1564 | #33 |
| New York Mets | 1992–1993 | 513 | #8 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 1989–1991 | 463 | — |
| Cleveland Indians | 1994–1996 | 433 | — |
| Anaheim Angels | 1997–1997 | 155 | — |
American Athletes