Athletics History: Danny Murphy Impresses in Debut

ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 21: Oakland Athletics hats and gloves during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark on May 21, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. Oakland Athletics won 1-0. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 21: Oakland Athletics hats and gloves during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark on May 21, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. Oakland Athletics won 1-0. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images)

Every player wants to make a positive impression with their new team after a trade. Danny Murphy certainly did just that on this day in 1902, when he debuted for the Philadelphia Athletics.

As the saying goes, better late than never. That was the case for new Philadelphia Athletics second baseman Danny Murphy, who had been purchased from the Norwich Reds in the Connecticut State League on July 7. Slated to make his debut at second on this day in 1902, Murphy arrived to the ballpark late due to issues in getting to Boston.

Arriving during the second inning, Murphy was put immediately into the field, without batting practice or a chance to get acclimated to his teammates. As it turned out, he was more than ready for his return to the majors, as he was 6-6 in the Athletics 22-9 victory over Boston. Murphy belted a grand slam off of Cy Young, and handled all 12 chances he had in the field flawlessly.

The Athletics essentially put the game away in the sixth inning. The Americans put reliever Doc Adkins in to start the sixth, and it proved to be the wrong decision. He faced 16 batters, and allowed 12 hits and 12 runs in the inning. Five players, including Murphy, had two hits in the inning. Harry Davis, one of the players with two hits in the frame, also belted a grand slam.

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Overall, the Athletics belted 27 hits in their romp over Boston. The Americans did hit the ball well themselves, with 18 hits, but they were simply no match for Philadelphia’s attack. The 45 combined hits set an American League record, as both team’s pitching staffs were rocked.

Rube Waddell, who was also in his first season with Philadelphia, pitched the bottom of the fifth to earn the victory. It may have been the easiest victory of his career, as the Athletics had their impressive rally following his performance. Waddell also got to hit in the top of the sixth, and was one of the players to victimize Adkins in that inning.

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You only get one chance to make a first impression. On this day in 1902, Danny Murphy did just that with the Philadelphia Athletics, going 6-6 with a grand slam despite arriving late.