Every once in a while, politics and baseball cross paths. The (perhaps mythological) presidential origins of the seventh-inning stretch come to mind, as does the recent call by President Trump in favor of overturning Pete Rose’s ban. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia is the latest politician to use his clout in an attempt to shape baseball, lending his voice to the push to enshrine Braves legend Dale Murphy in the Hall of Fame.
Kemp and other lawmakers honored Murphy at the Georgia State Capitol in recognition of “Dale Murphy Day.” Kemp praised Murphy’s character as much as his baseball skills, a common approach for those calling for Murphy’s inclusion in the Hall. The Murphy to the Hall campaign features quotes from Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Joe Torre complimenting Murphy’s hitting ability and personability.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp joined the calls to enshrine Dale Murphy in the Hall of Fame
The Cooperstown voters don’t seem to be as swayed by Murphy’s personality. Instead, they consider his fairly run-of-the-mill later years next to his dominant stretch in the 1980s. Murphy became the youngest player to win back-to-back MVP Awards when he took home the trophies with the Braves in 1982 and ‘83.
Between his breakout season in 1980 and his final All-Star nod in 1987, Murphy hit .284/.374/.517 with a 140 OPS+. He averaged 33 homers and 16 steals per season, making the 30-30 club in 1983. His success also took place in the field; he won five consecutive Gold Gloves.
Thank you, Governor Kemp and First Lady, Marty Kemp!And thank you to all the Georgia State Senators and Representatives…Nancy and I and the whole Murphy family thank you for this special day. Very honored. https://t.co/zu0Z17B1S1
— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) February 27, 2026
Injuries took their toll, though, and in his final six seasons, which spanned three teams, Murphy hit .234/.307/.396. He continued to post high strikeout numbers, but he started to lose his keen eye. Where he once drew 80 or more walks each season, Murphy walked roughly 60 times per 162 games as his career declined. In his final two years (1992 with the Phillies and 1993 with the newly created Rockies), he played a combined 44 games.
Murphy was on the ballot during the most recent vote that saw Jeff Kent get the nod. Murphy received just six votes, half of the required total. Cooperstown does seem to be willing to reevaluate careers (just look at the reversal on Rose), but Murphy will then have to contend with the sluggers of the Steroid Era. At that point, no person, not even a governor, will be able to make a case for the Braves legend.