New York Mets History: Eddie Murray Sets RBI Mark
By David Hill
When one thinks of the top switch hitter in MLB history, one usually thinks of Mickey Mantle. But on this day in 1992, New York Mets first baseman Eddie Murray passed Mantle as the all time RBI leader amongst switch hitters.
Eddie Murray may have been one of the more underrated players in MLB history. A steady presence in the Orioles lineups throughout the 1980’s, Murray became a bit of a baseball vagabond over his final few seasons, never staying more than three years with any one team. And yet, he remained a solid hitter and an excellent run producer throughout his career.
The culmination of Murray’s production came on this day in 1992. While playing for the New York Mets, Murray made history with his RBI single in the sixth inning of the Mets 15-1 blowout of the Pirates. When Vince Coleman came around to score, Murray broke Mickey Mantle’s record for the most RBI by a switch hitter in MLB history.
Murray went 1-2 that day, with two RBI, a walk, and a sacrifice fly before being lifted in the seventh inning of the blowout. In fact, the Mets emptied their bench in that game, with everyone aside from Junior Naboa getting a turn at the plate. It was the perfect day to rest one’s regulars, except Sid Fernandez, who threw a complete game.
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That year proved to be another typically strong campaign for Murray. He produced a solid .261/.336/.423 batting line, hitting 16 homers with 93 RBI. Overall in his excellent 21 year career, Murray had a .287/.359/.476 batting line, while producing the quietest 504 homers and 1917 RBI in baseball history.
Murray was very much overlooked throughout his career. Although he had 16 seasons with 20 or more homers, and was routinely in the top ten in OPS, Murray never got the credit he deserved. He only made eight All Star Games, and won three Silver Slugger awards. Murray also finished in the top five in the MVP vote six times, but never won the award. He finally got his due in 2003, when he made the Hall of Fame on his first attempt.
On this day in 1992, New York Mets first baseman Eddie Murray became the all time RBI leader amongst switch hitters in MLB history. And yet, that accomplishment was overlooked, much like his career.