#783) DANIEL MURPHY

Daniel Murphy was selected by the New York Mets in the 13th round of the 2006 free agent draft. He opened the 2008 season in Double-A Binghamton, and continued to prove that he is an exceptional hitter. On August 2nd, only a day after being promoted to Triple-A New Orleans, Daniel was promoted to New York. The Mets had placed left-handed reserve outfielder, Marlon Anderson on the disabled list and Murphy was asked to take his roster spot. A natural third baseman that now was learning the outfield at the major league level.

Murphy made his major league debut that first day and recorded a base hit in his first big league at-bat off of ace pitcher, Roy Oswalt in Houston. His father Tom said it well, "It's been overwhelming. We had no idea he would be this good this quick. We knew last year he probably had a chance, but people had to get hurt for him to get an opportunity."

"Murph" did take advantage of his opportunity. Playing the outfield with some questionable defense, but turning heads with his success at the plate. Daniel closed his first season batting .313 in 136 at-bats (exactly one at-bat too many to keep his rookie status in 2009).

"I always had to work," Murphy said. "I'm still not the fastest or the strongest. So my feeling is, If I'm going to be able to stay here in the big leagues and help this team win, I'm going to have to work every day."

Daniel Murphy signed his card in the set for me at Wrigley Field before a Mets-Cubs game on August 29, 2009. (Notice that Murph adds "Go Mets" behind his signature on the card.)