Daniel Murphy has had a season of firsts in 2014.
Murphy celebrated the birth of his first child on Opening Day, resulting in an unjust ribbing from local radio personalities for missing time on paternal leave—also a first.
Murphy also made his first trip to the White House last month, speaking at the Working Dads Summit on the aforementioned topic of leaving his team for his wife and newborn son, Noah.
Although it wasn’t the first head-turning season for the 29-year-old Jacksonville native, Murphy finally received his first all-star selection this past week.
Murphy said he feels honored to have been selected to the All-Star game and that he and his family are “excited” to attend the three-day event.
“It’s very humbling to be even mentioned in the same breath as some of the guys that are going to be at this game,” Murphy said.
Murphy will be the lone Mets representative in Minneapolis, just the second time David Wright has not been chosen since 2006. Manager Terry Collins said he was proud of Murphy for his achievement.
“He’s so pumped up and he should be,” Collins said. “It’s a tremendous tribute to one of the hardest working players you’ll ever be around.”
Murphy is batting .294 on the season with 113 hits and 56 runs scored. He has committed to his gap power, ripping 101 doubles since taking over as the full-time second baseman in 2012.
As efficient as Murphy has been with the bat, his defensive improvements have been even more impressive for third base coach Tim Defuel, specifically on his ability to turn double plays.
“It’s increasingly getting better, he’s getting more familiarized with the footwork, the timing of the plays,” Teufel said. “He’s evolving he’s trying different techniques and making it his own.”
Murphy credits Teufel for helping him to make his transition to second.
“I don’t think I would be the second baseman I am today if it wasn’t for the work he put in with me,” he said.
Outside of speaking with six-time all-star Chase Utley, who Murphy says he sometimes “shoots the breeze” with when the Phillies come to town, he doesn’t have anyone he plans to talk to. He is just looking forward to the week ahead.
“My wife and my family are excited,” he said. “We’re just trying to soak it in for a couple of days.”
