Murph

It's hard to believe that it has been 11 years since Murphy retired, and 18 years since this book was written, but this book still remains a great read for all Dale Murphy fans (and lifetime Atlanta Braves fans). Written just before the 1986 season, Murphy looks back at the many aspects, achievements, and milestones of his life: growing up in the Pacific northwest, his childhood baseball days, his rise through the minors, his back-to-back MVP seasons in 1982 and 1983, and even a look at Murph's personal side from his family life to his life in the Mormon church.Ironically, Dale's best season came after he wrote this book. In 1987 he his 44 home runs with 105 RBI...and didn't win the MVP (that went to Andre Dawson of the Cubs who hit 49). Nevertheless, this book is a print version of the Dale Murphy persona that attracted one of the largest fan followings of that era of sports and one that remains to this day. I should know...I'm a lifelong fan. I even have a wonderful personal story about an encounter with him at a game in Cincinnati in 1989. There is no excuse for him NOT being in the Hall of Fame (but Kirby Puckett and Gary Carter are...go figure).Get the book. You won't be disappointed.