Eddie Murray
The steady switch-hitter who anchored the Orioles for over a decade, delivering 500 home runs, 3,000 hits, and a World Series title with two home runs in Game 5.
Eddie Murray, nicknamed 'Steady Eddie,' is an American former professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter who spent most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles. Born on February 24, 1956, he ranks fourth in team history for games played and hits. Although he never won a Most Valuable Player award, he finished in the top ten of MVP voting eight times. Murray holds the record for the most RBIs by any MLB switch-hitter and led all players with 996 RBIs during the 1980s. He began his career after being drafted in 1973, debuting in 1977, and became a cornerstone of the franchise through his consistent production and leadership.
- Born
- February 24, 1956
- Nickname
- Steady Eddie
- Positions
- First baseman, designated hitter, coach
- Primary Team Years
- 1977–1988 (Orioles)
- Rookie Year Stats
- .283 average, 27 home runs, 173 hits in 160 games
- MVP Voting Top Ten Finishes
- 8 times
- Switch-Hitter RBI Record
- Most RBIs by any switch-hitter; 996 in the 1980s (most of any player)
- World Series Championships
- 1 (1983 with Orioles)
- 1983 World Series Performance
- Two home runs in Game 5, 5-for-20 in series
- Home Run Seasons (First 12 years)
- Eleven seasons with 20+ HRs; led AL in 1981 with 22
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Murray's tenure with the Orioles was defined by his friendship with Cal Ripken Jr., whom he taught work ethics. In his rookie season of 1977, Murray won the American League Rookie of the Year award despite Mitchell Page posting a better batting average and OPS. He served as the primary designated hitter while veteran Lee May held first base. His relationship with management soured in 1986 after he accused officials of pressuring him to return from an ankle injury too soon, leading to criticism from owner Edward Bennett Williams regarding his off-season habits. This tension culminated in a trade on December 4, 1988, sending Murray to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Ken Howell, Brian Holton, and Juan Bell. Despite the departure being called 'one of the lowest moments' by Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston, Murray's legacy remained intact as he secured his only World Series championship in 1983.
In Their Own Story
The defining moment of Murray's Orioles career occurred during Game 5 of the 1983 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. In a decisive 5–0 victory that clinched the title, Murray hit two home runs, securing his first and only championship ring. Earlier in his career, he faced heartbreak in the 1979 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates; after going 4-for-5 with a home run in the first two games, he slid into second base in Game 2 and injured his wrist. For the remainder of that series, he went 0-for-21 with four strikeouts, ending with a bases-loaded groundout. His 1983 season saw him hit .306 with 33 home runs and 111 RBIs, earning his first Silver Slugger Award and a second consecutive Gold Glove. He also led the league in home runs in 1981 with 22 during the strike-shortened season.
Reader's Guide
Murray played for the Orioles from 1977 until late 1988, averaging 28 home runs and 99 RBIs per season. His first twelve seasons included eleven with at least 20 home runs and five instances of topping 100 RBIs in a six-year span, earning two Silver Slugger Awards. In 1984, he played all 162 games for the only time in his career, hitting .306 with 29 home runs and a career-high 107 walks. He finished second in MVP voting twice (1982 and 1983), trailing teammate Cal Ripken Jr. in the latter year. Murray's consistency was remarkable; in his rookie year alone, he batted .283 with 27 home runs and 173 hits. He left Baltimore after a stormy relationship with the front office, but returned briefly later in his career to hit his 500th home run.
Did You Know?
- Murray hit two home runs in the decisive Game 5 of the 1983 World Series, his only championship.
- In his rookie season, Murray won Rookie of the Year even though Mitchell Page had a better batting average and OPS.
- During the 1979 World Series, an injury to his wrist caused Murray to go 0-for-21 for the remainder of the series.
- Murray is one of only seven MLB players to reach both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.
- He led all players in RBIs during the 1980s with 996, more than any other player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eddie Murray?
Known as "Steady Eddie," he was a Hall of Fame first baseman and designated hitter who spent the majority of his career with Baltimore from 1977 to 1988. He ranks fourth in franchise history for both games played and total hits.
What were his biggest achievements?
Murray is one of only two players to reach both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs while holding the MLB record for most RBIs by a switch-hitter. He also hit two crucial home runs in Game 5 of the World Series to help secure a championship title.
How did he perform as a rookie?
Upon debuting in 1977, Murray posted a .283 batting average with 27 home runs and 173 hits across 160 games. This strong start established him immediately as a cornerstone of the team's lineup.
Did he ever win an MVP award?
Although he never took home the Most Valuable Player trophy, his consistency earned him top-ten finishes in the voting eight separate times throughout his career. His steady production made him one of the most reliable hitters of his era.
Why is he considered a legend?
Murray anchored the Orioles for over a decade as a switch-hitter who led all players with 996 RBIs during the 1980s alone. His combination of power and longevity cemented his status as one of Baltimore's greatest icons.