Braves Send Former MVP Murphy to Philadelphia

Dale Murphy, a two-time most valuable player and the leading home run hitter in Atlanta Brave history, was traded along with a player to be named to the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night for pitcher Jeff Parrett and two players to be named.

Murphy, 34, is 33rd on the all-time home run list with 371. He has played his entire 13-year major league career with the Braves.

“It’s time for me to move on,” Murphy said. “I’m excited about the future in Philadelphia. It’s a decision I have little control over.”

Murphy, a seven-time all-star and the National League’s MVP in 1982 and 1983, agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 1992 season.

He is a .270 career hitter but is batting only .232 this year with 17 home runs and 55 runs batted in.

“I haven’t produced like I feel I can in recent years,” Murphy said. “Maybe with a new direction, I feel I can play a few more years.

Murphy did not play Friday night in Atlanta’s 3-0 loss to Houston.

“During the game, it was pretty emotional on the bench,” Murphy said. “I can’t put it into words. I haven’t had time to reflect on it yet. It’s just a tough time for me.”

Phillie General Manager Lee Thomas said he was happy to get the power hitter he sought.

“I think Dale Murphy will come in and do what we need,” Thomas said in Philadelphia. “I think he has a lot of baseball left in him, and we’re very happy to have him.”

Murphy hit 30 or more home runs and had at least 100 RBIs in five of six seasons from 1982-87. But his production dropped to 24 home runs and 77 RBIs in 1988 and 20 home runs and 84 RBIs last season. He had a stretch of 169 consecutive at-bats without a home run in 1989.

“We got a quality player,” Phillie Manager Nick Leyva said. “He’s also a quality individual, a class act. He’s always hit in this ballpark, and I’m excited about having him here. He’ll hit fourth and play right field, and we hoping he’s here in time for tomorrow’s game.”

Said Murphy, who has won five Gold Glove awards: “All guys have to go through this. It’s a new experience for me. It’s very emotional to your teammates, but I’m still excited about the future.”

He also said the future was bright for the Braves, who finished last in 1988 and 1989 and are last in the National League West.

“This team has good young talent and will take off,” Murphy said. “Things will work out fine here. It will be the young guys turn, and I won’t be a part of it. The one regret I have is not playing better the last couple of years.”