Brewers’ Pat Murphy Wins NL Manager of the Year Again

UPDATE: Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy has just been named the National League Manager of the Year for the second consecutive season, following a stellar performance that propelled the Brewers to a franchise-record 97-65 finish. The announcement was made on November 7, 2023, by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with Murphy securing an impressive 27 of 30 first-place votes.

This victory solidifies Murphy’s status in baseball history, as he joins the ranks of legendary managers like Bobby Cox, who last won the award in consecutive seasons in 2004 and 2005. Murphy outperformed notable contenders, including Rob Thomson from Philadelphia and Terry Francona from Cincinnati, showcasing his exceptional leadership in a competitive season.

The Brewers, under Murphy’s guidance, achieved a remarkable turnaround after a mid-season slump where they found themselves second in the NL Central. The team surged with a 29-4 stretch, including a franchise-record 14-game winning streak, ultimately leading to their first postseason series victory since sweeping Colorado in the 2018 NLDS. This postseason run was a historic moment for Milwaukee, as they eliminated their rival, the Chicago Cubs, before facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

Murphy, 67, who previously served as Milwaukee’s bench coach for eight seasons, stepped into the managerial role after Craig Counsell departed for the Cubs in November 2023. His extensive coaching background includes notable positions at Notre Dame and Arizona State, as well as a stint as the interim manager of the San Diego Padres in 2015.

The announcement of Murphy’s achievement comes ahead of other significant MLB awards, with the Cy Young Award winners set to be revealed on November 8, 2023, and the Most Valuable Players to be announced on November 9, 2023. Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how these developments unfold, especially in light of the Brewers’ impressive season and what lies ahead.

As Murphy continues to make his mark in baseball, this back-to-back recognition reflects not only his strategic prowess but also the emotional investment of the Brewers’ fanbase, who have rallied behind their team through thick and thin. Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB awards week progresses.