FSL president Murphy's wife dies

Laura "Emo" Murphy, wife of Florida State League President Chuck Murphy, passed away on Sunday, June 2, at the age of 84. She had suffered a massive stroke early that morning while the couple were visiting FSL ballparks in Dunedin and Clearwater this past weekend.

I was deeply saddened when I heard of the sudden passing of Emo," Minor League Baseball president & CEO Pat O'Conner stated. "She was a wonderful, sweet and genuine woman who will be missed by everyone whose life she impacted. Emo was an integral part of the resurgence of the Florida State League. One of her many duties included assisting her husband, Chuck, with the operation of the league. Our hearts and prayers go out to Chuck, their daughter, Laura, and the entire Murphy family during this difficult time."

Emo always kept a scorebook when attending games with Chuck, her husband of 53 years. When not at a ballpark or helping Chuck and Laura in the league office, Emo loved to play bridge, work in her yard and cook for family and friends.

Emo is the only female in the FSL Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2011.

A funeral service in her honor will be held on Saturday June 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster By-The-Sea, 3221 South Peninsula Drive, Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Florida State League Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 349, Daytona Beach, FL 32115.