Local Baseball Star Returns

The Bradenton area has always been a hot spot for great baseball and great baseball players. The same trend typically occurs as players practice and refine their talents here, but then take them elsewhere. However, Thursday night JR Murphy of the Tampa Yankees took his talents and brought them back to his home town of Bradenton. Thursday marks the beginning of a four-game series that the Bradenton Marauders open against the minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. Murphy was a standout high school player and caught the eye of the Yankees. He impressed them so much that they used their 2nd round pick in 2009 to try and entice Murphy to become a professional baseball player instead of attending the University of Miami. Murphy took the chance to put on the pinstripes and began his professional career in rookie ball. It took him only nine games to advance to single A; where he recieved all-star honors with the Charleston RiverDogs. The next step in Murphy's journey goes through Tampa where he recently was called up to the Tampa Yankees. As Murphy climbs the minor league ladder en route to the majors he will make a few stops to oppose the Marauders. Thursday night the Marauder faithful made it seen that although Murphy had been gone the past two years, his family, friends and supporters were still right behind him. Murphy recieved a big ovation when his name was announced in the Yankee starting lineup. As for the game Murphy's highlights were throwing out a runner trying to advance and later nearly picking off a runner at first after a pitch. Murphy exited the game after he fouled a ball off of his foot. Even though he was in too much pain to play, he still took the time to be with his family and friends after the game. He stayed until the fans were told to leave by security. Not only should Bradenton be proud of the player it has produced here, but also the human being. Murphy will be in town with the Tampa Yankees for the weekend so don't miss the chance to come out to McKechnie and see a rising star from Bradenton in action.

By Eric Williams