Dale Murphy coming to Pearl

PEARL, Miss. -- The Mississippi Braves are proud to announce that Monday, Aug. 25 has been named Dale Murphy Appreciation Night, and the former Atlanta Brave will be in attendance at Trustmark Park when the Mississippi Braves take on the Mobile BayBears.

Murphy will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game and will be available to sign autographs.

Murphy's No. 3 was retired by the Braves' organization in 1994 and he was inducted to the Braves Hall of Fame in 2000 after compiling a .265 lifetime batting average with 398 home runs.

Murphy was the Braves' No. 1 draft pick (fifth overall) in 1974. Originally signed as a catcher, he was moved to the outfield by Bobby Cox in 1980. The move helped as Murphy averaged just under 30 homers and 90 RBIs from 1980-90.

During those 11 years, Murphy won back-to-back National League MVP awards in 1982-83, appeared in seven All-Star Games (leading all players in votes in 1985) and won five Gold Gloves. Murphy, who spent 15 seasons in Atlanta, held 13 Atlanta franchise records, including most home runs (371), RBIs (1,143), hits (1,901), runs (1,103) and games (1,926).

More information will be released as it becomes available.