Atlanta Braves to honor extraordinary career of Dale Murphy July 11

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves will celebrate the remarkable career and pay tribute to one of baseball's greatest during Dale Murphy Night at Turner Field on Thursday, July 11 before they take on the Cincinnati Reds. The first 20,000 fans will receive a commemorative Dale Murphy bobblehead, presented by Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines. The Braves Hall of Famer will be part of a special pregame ceremony and fans will enjoy in-game messaging and festivities.

Murphy was the Braves' No. 1 (and fifth overall) draft pick in 1974. Originally signed as a catcher, he was moved to the outfield by Manager Bobby Cox in 1980. The move helped, as Murphy averaged just under 30 HRs and just under 90 RBI from 1980 to 1990. During those 11 years, Murphy won back-to-back league MVP awards in 1982 and 1983, appeared in seven All-Star games (leading all players in votes in 1985), won five Gold Gloves, and appeared in 740 consecutive games from September 26, 1981 through July 8, 1986. Murphy's 1983 season of 36 home runs and 30 stolen bases made him only the second player in franchise history to reach the 30/30 mark. He was also just one of six players in the 1980s to accomplish the feat.

Murphy's career spanned 18 years in the Major Leagues, 15 of which were spent with the Atlanta Braves. Murphy ranks second in Atlanta franchise in home runs (371), RBI (1,143), hits (1,901), runs (1,103), and games (1,926). He was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in August 2000.

Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.braves.com/tickets, the Braves Ticket Office at Turner Field, the Braves Clubhouse Store at the CNN Center, all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 1-800-745-3000.