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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 12, 2020 03:53 PM |
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| From: | Representative Parke Wentling and Rep. Bob Brooks |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Danny Murtaugh for the National Baseball Hall of Fame |
| In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution in support of Danny Murtaugh’s 2020 election to the Baseball Hall of Fame through the Golden Days Era Committee ballot. A Chester, Pennsylvania native, Murtaugh got his major league playing start with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1941—and he led the league in stolen bases despite joining the team mid-season. Like many of his day, his playing career was interrupted by the war. Murtaugh was offered the chance to play for the Army baseball team in a morale-boosting role, but he turned it down because he did not think it would help the war effort. He instead joined the combat infantry and spent time fighting in Europe before helping with the rebuilding efforts in Japan. Murtaugh made his way to Pittsburgh in 1948, where he provided a spark to a team that had been struggling. As 2nd baseman, he and his partner at shortstop led the league in double plays that year. Physical ailments from his war service cut his playing years short, and he transitioned to managing. Danny Murtaugh had 1,115 managerial wins under his belt, all with Pittsburgh, which is second on the franchise’s all-time list. Most notably, he won two World Series championships with the Pirates as distinct underdogs. In 1960, they shocked the New York Yankees in seven games with a dramatic series-ending home run by Bill Mazeroski. Murtaugh led the Pirates to victory again in 1971 against the widely favored Baltimore Orioles. Interestingly, both Casey Stengel and Earl Weaver—the managers Murtaugh defeated in his World Series appearances—are in the Hall of Fame. On September 1, 1971, Murtaugh broke a barrier when he fielded an all-minority starting lineup for the first time in Major League Baseball history. The starters included future Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. Asked about it later, Murtaugh said, “When it comes to making out the lineup, I'm colorblind, and my athletes know it." Based on stats, Murtaugh certainly deserves being in the Hall of Fame. His winning percentage, World Series victories, and league pennants are equal to or better than many managers currently in the Hall. And he achieved that success in four separate stints over 20 years—he kept retiring for health reasons and the Pirates kept bringing him back. He was only 59 years old when he died on December 2, 1976—just two months after his final retirement. The Pirates retired Murtaugh’s number 40 on Opening Day the following year. This year—the 60th anniversary of the 1960 World Series—the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Golden Days Era committee will consider candidates who made their mark on the game from 1950 to 1969. If elected, Murtaugh would be inducted into the Hall as Pirate fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 World Series. With Danny Murtaugh’s career stretching from Philly to Pittsburgh, this would be a great occasion for all Pennsylvanians. Please consider co-sponsoring this resolution honoring the Baseball life of Danny Murtaugh and help nominate him to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Sincerely, Parke Wentling State Representative 17th Legislative District Crawford, Erie, Lawrence and Mercer Counties Bob Brooks State Representative 54th Legislative District Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties |
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Introduced as HR976
Memo Updated: August 12, 2020 03:54 PM