Murphy makes history

As Winnipeg Goldeyes outfielder Max Murphy walked up to the plate against Chicago Dogs pitcher John Baker in the top of the fourth inning Wednesday night, the 32-year-old was on the verge of Goldeyes history — and he delivered. Murphy launched his 93rd home run in a Goldeyes uniform and later added his 94th, surpassing franchise legend Reggie Abercrombie to become the team’s all-time home run leader.

Murphy was met with cheers from his teammates as he entered the dugout after his history-making blast over the left side of Impact Field, though admitting he had forgotten all about the record with his focus on the game, which the Goldeyes went on to win 11–2.

“It took a second to realize what they were congratulating me for,” laughed Murphy.

Abercrombie, who held the Goldeyes’ home run record for six years, was a key part of Winnipeg’s back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017, and is an inductee into the American Association Hall of Fame. He spent six seasons in a Goldeyes uniform before retiring in 2019.

“It’s an honour and it’s awesome,” said Murphy on becoming the new home run leader. “The Goldeyes are the most fun team and place I’ve gotten to play, so it’s awesome to have that record with them.”

In just his fifth season as a Goldeye, Murphy has become a generational all-around player and one of the best in the American Association of Professional Baseball. In 627 games, Murphy has racked up 121 career home runs, was named the league’s player of the year in 2022, and earned multiple mid-season and post-season all-star honours throughout his career.

“There’s no substitute for experience,” said Goldeyes manager Logan Watkins on Murphy. “Finding people that hit the ball out of the ballpark isn’t easy, so he’s one of the few in this league that consistently does it every year, and so we’re pretty lucky to have him.”

Murphy currently leads the Fish in home runs, runs, hits and RBIs.

“He’s fairly soft spoken, but when he does talk, he gets everyone’s attention because everyone knows his reputation and what he’s done in his career,” said Watkins. “He’s definitely one of those guys that doesn’t say a lot, but if you want to follow someone and take an example of someone that shows you how to be a professional and do things the right way, he’s a good one to watch.”

With the win on Wednesday, Watkins also reached a career milestone, picking up his 200th victory as a manager in the American Association, 69 of those games coming with the Goldeyes. Watkins was announced as the fifth field manager in club history on Nov. 1, 2023, and was named manager of the year in 2024.

“It’s cool,” said Watkins. “I mean, I’m still young and 200 wins is not insignificant, but it’s also hopefully just kind of an early milestone for what I’m hoping is a long coaching career.”

For Murphy on Watkins, next on the list is bringing a championship back to Winnipeg.

“That’s super important to me,” said Murphy. “I’d love to get a championship with Winnipeg before I retire. That’s probably the biggest reason why I still am playing, just trying to get that last championship.”

The Goldeyes look to complete a series sweep against the Dogs tonight before taking on the Gary Southshore Railcats on Friday. The Fish are back at Blue Cross Park Tuesday, June 17, where they will face the Sioux Falls Canaries, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

zoe.pierce@freepress.mb.ca