For a five year stretch, Dale Murphy was amongst the most feared hitters in the league. He hit for power, had a decent average and was excellent in the clutch. In addition, Murphy knew how to handle himself in the field as shown by his five Gold Gloves. He played every day and was a huge favorite among the Braves faithful. He was the only Brave at the time that could get National attention and he did so quick his loud bat and quiet demeanor.
Unfortunately for Dale Murphy his offensive numbers seriously took a tumble by the age of 32 and he posted substandard numbers thereafter. Of course all great players suffer a decline, but as it happened with him earlier than it does with others, he did not post the milestones that stat lovers will point out. Subsequently, he struck out a lot in his career even during his MVP years. Had his career tailed off at the age of 34 and he put up a career that added two or three hundred more hits, his stock would greatly improve and his contributions on a bad Braves team might be celebrated more outside of Georgia than they have.
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