Murphy Embracing LI Ducks, Eyeing MLB Return

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October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy (28) rounds the bases after he hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

(New York, NY) – These days, Daniel Murphy has traded in the luxury of a MLB locker room for 10-hour bus rides and independent league ball fields. The former All-Star and Sports Illustrated cover athlete previously retired from baseball, but then decided to sign with the Long Island Ducks this spring.

Murphy tells the New York Post he had taken some time away from the game before realizing how much he missed it. He watched Ken Burns’ Baseball documentary for the first time, and read Christy Mathewson’s autobiography. After thinking more about what a “special” game baseball is, he decided to return.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Ducks’ manager Wally Backman, who managed Murphy in the Mets’ minor leagues, thinks the lefthanded slugger could get back to the major leagues. Murphy hasn’t made it a secret that’s his goal. With both the NL and AL now using the DH, it’s not as far-fetched as it may seem. Backman says Murphy could have gone right to the majors on a big money contract, but decided against that route after a couple seasons away from the game. The man sometimes known as “Murph” says he has to get his swing back to where it was.

Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

For the time being, Murphy is playing a lot of second base with the Ducks. But Backman plans to move him to first base or designated hitter when former Met infielder Ruben Tejada figures out his visa issues.

Murphy says he’s enjoying himself so far, adding his swing is coming along nicely. And if a big league club never comes calling, that’s ok. As he told the Post: “I’m going to keep showing up as long as I’m still enjoying myself and as long as they let me.”

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