1976–1993 · CF

Dale Murphy

6' 4", 210 lbs·Lived to 70·Bats R / Throws R

5×Gold Glove4×Silver Slugger2×MVPAll-Star

The Almanac's Take

Dale Murphy was one of the most complete two-way center fielders of the 1980s, winning back-to-back MVPs in 1982–83 when his peak offensive production aligned with elite defense. His 1987 season represented his absolute ceiling—a .295 average with 44 homers and OPS near 1.000—yet his career .265 mark reveals the inconsistency that defined his 18-year run. Seven All-Star selections and five Gold Gloves underscore his sustained excellence in the field, but a 108 career OPS+ suggests he was merely above-average as a hitter over the long haul, making him a fascinating case of how elite defense and peak seasons can mask career-level offensive limitations.

Career Highs

.997

Best OPS · 1987

Most HR · 1987

121

Most RBI · 1983

.302

Best AVG · 1983

Career Arc · OPS

18 seasons

Statistical Comps

Aaron Judge

100%

2024 season

ISO .379 · K% 24.3 · BB% 18.9 · HR% 8.3

Juan Soto

100%

2024 season

ISO .281 · K% 16.7 · BB% 18.1 · HR% 5.8

Career · Batting

18 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1976	ATL	19	65	0	9	.262	.687	101
1977	ATL	18	76	2	14	.316	.842	115
1978	ATL	151	530	23	79	.226	.679	97
1979	ATL	104	384	21	57	.276	.809	111
1980	ATL	156	569	33	89	.281	.858	120
1981	ATL	104	369	13	50	.247	.716	104
1982	ATL	162	598	36	109	.281	.885	124
1983	ATL	162	589	36	121	.302	.933	131
1984	ATL	162	607	36	100	.290	.919	130
1985	ATL	162	616	37	111	.300	.927	130
1986	ATL	160	614	29	83	.265	.824	114
1987	ATL	159	566	44	105	.295	.997	134
1988	ATL	156	592	24	77	.226	.734	106
1989	ATL	154	574	20	84	.228	.667	96
1990	ATL	154	563	24	83	.245	.735	104
1991	PHI	153	544	18	81	.252	.724	102
1992	PHI	18	62	2	7	.161	.449	64
1993	COL	26	42	0	7	.143	.391	53
Career		2180	7960	398	1266	.265	—	—

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