Playful Jokes and High Demands
Pat Murphy knows how to keep his dugout light, but his standards remain extremely high. The Milwaukee manager, who is 67 years old, is leading his team toward a potential first World Series trophy in franchise history. He is also a top candidate to win his third straight National League Manager of the Year award.
Before the playoffs, Murphy sent pitcher Colton Gordon to the upper deck of American Family Field during a practice session. Gordon was told to investigate an opposing scout watching from the stands. When Gordon reached Section 422 with a security guard, he found only a statue of famous announcer Bob Uecker. The whole team watched from the field and laughed.
Direct Words in the Dugout
Murphy does not wait until after games to tell players what he thinks. Pitcher Chad Patrick recalled giving up runs against the Chicago Cubs and sitting down in the dugout. Murphy immediately shouted to ask who was warming up because Patrick had just blown the game. Patrick said it was shocking at first, but funny to look back on later.
His motivational speeches are just as direct. At the start of the postseason, Murphy told his squad that if anyone was tired, they should take a nap, and if anyone felt weak, they should get stronger. Outfielder Christian Yelich said the manager means every word he utters in those moments.
A Mix of Discipline and Care
The manager knows when to adjust his approach for different players. Earlier this season, he put his arms around rookie Luis Lara, who is 21 years old, before an at-bat against the Cubs. Murphy gave him a positive pep talk, and Lara followed up with a winning single.
In contrast, he once warned Andrew Vaughn that he would tase him if he ever got thrown out going from first to third base again. General manager Matt Arnold noted that the standard inside the dugout is set very high. Team officials admit that some players were moved away in past years because they could not handle Murphy's intense style. Those who remain have built a strong team as they chase the title.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- MLB and every other league
- MLB official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
