EDDIE MURRAY – 2000 MWWL HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Mid-West Winter League Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Eddie Murray:
Ladies and gentlemen, respected members of the Mid-West Winter League (MWWL), sports enthusiasts, and guests. I am honored to stand before you today as the Commissioner of the Mid-West Winter League.
Tonight, we gather here to recognize the achievements and contributions of an exceptional player in our league, whose name now will be inscribed within the illustrious hallways of the MWWL Hall of Fame. So, without further ado, let’s celebrate, acknowledge, and honor our very own – Eddie Murray.
With a remarkable .283 batting average and a .360 on-base percentage, Eddie Murray has proven time and time again that he is indeed one of the best in our sport. His relentless strength at the plate resulted in 480 home runs, a testament to his power, precision, and persistence. Accompanied by 1775 RBIs, these spectacular records have left an indelible mark on our league.
On top of these impressive statistics, Eddie Murray has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike through his dedication, sportsmanship, and unyielding spirit. A ten-time All-Star, his formidable talent sent reverberating waves across the league, inspiring others to strive for greatness.
In recognition of his extraordinary skills and unwavering performances, he was awarded the prestigious MVP title not once but twice – in 1984 and 1990. His phenomenal defensive prowess was also acknowledged with the Gold Glove Award in 1984.
These accolades illustrate the unmistakable impact and legacy Eddie Murray has etched into the rich tapestry of MWWL history. However, they only portray part of the picture. Beyond numbers and awards, Eddie Murray embodies the spirit of resilience, perseverance, and passion that MWWL stands for.
I am thrilled and deeply privileged to welcome Eddie Murray into the MWWL Hall of Fame. May his remarkable journey serve as an inspiration to future players and remind us all of the power of dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for this great sport.
So, let’s take a moment to applaud and celebrate Eddie Murray. Let his name echo in the revered MWWL Hall of Fame as recognition of a career that transcends statistics. Welcome, Eddie Murray, and congratulations!
Good evening, esteemed members of the Mid-West Winter League, honored guests, fellow inductees, loving fans, and my dear family. I stand before you all today humbled, deeply moved, and profoundly grateful for this immense honor. I am Eddie Murray, and I have been incredibly privileged to be a part of the enthralling journey that is MWWL.
Allow me to take you back through time. It was 1977 when I started my journey with the Hollywood Vampires under the custodianship of Steve Cutler. Mr. Cutler wasn’t just an owner to me; he was a guide, a mentor, a friend who believed in my potential that I hadn’t realized at that time. For him, I wasn’t only a player in his team roster, but an individual he saw as capable of achieving greatness. From 1977 to 1986, the field of Hollywood became a temple where I learned, performed, fell, and grew under Mr. Cutler’s commendable leadership.
In 1987, I shifted my allegiance to Clovis. Those four years were filled with learning new dynamics, adapting to new styles of play, making new friends, and embracing the spirit of change and challenges.
Then came the Blarney Drive era from 1992 to 1996. It was thrilling, challenging, and altogether an enriching experience. The spirit and tenacity of my teammates made every game, every inning, a memorable one.
My last stop in this incredible journey was Michigan in 1997. By then, I had a wealth of experiences, friendships, victories, and lessons learned from defeats. But the year in Michigan added another dimension to my understanding and love of this game.
Throughout these years, I’ve played with the best, against the best. What kept me going was my love for the game, my unwavering discipline, and the constant support of my teams, coaches, and fans. I owe a great deal of my success to every pitcher who threw a challenging fastball, every catcher who received my throws at the first base, and every teammate who stood by me, both in victories and defeats.
Today, as I stand here being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I want to express my deepest gratitude. To my family for their incessant support, to my teammates for their trust, to my coaches for their guidance, and most importantly, to the game of baseball for shaping me into the man I am today. This honor is not just mine but belongs to everyone who has been a part of my journey.
May the spirit of the game live on. May we continue to engage with its beauty, thrill, and camaraderie. Thank you, MWWL, for this honor and a lifetime of memories.
Long live the Mid-West Winter League! Thank you.