The Home for Washington Nationals Game Talk

His given name is Daniel Thomas Murphy, and he likes to be called Daniel, not Danny, Dan or Danny Boy. Murphy was born on April Fool’s day, and the funny thing is the joke is on those fools who doubted him. Murphy is so humble that he won’t even say “I told you so” to those who questioned his potential. People have been questioning Murphy’s baseball abilities since Little League, and even Murphy has done an introspection on his own abilities.

Murphy had recently said, “I didn’t think I would make it to the Major Leagues.” Daniel Murphy did not elaborate on that statement even though he was asked why he would say that. His self-doubt probably started when he wasn’t drafted out of High School, and the only college that came calling was his local school. Murphy enrolled at Jacksonville University of the Atlantic Sun Conference which is a non-football conference in Division I, and when Murphy was drafted as the 394th player overall in the 13th round out of college by the NY Mets, he knew that very few 13th rounders make it to the Major Leagues and even fewer become stars. In fact, being the 394th pick in the draft had always been a black hole as only two 394th picks before him ever made it to the Majors, however their combined MLB service time was 11 games total. The 395th pick in the draft at least had an impressive history with Mike Stanley, John Moses and Marv Foley as long-time MLB alumni. Murphy made it and has thrived, giving hope to all future 394th draft picks. Continue reading →