UPDATE: In a stunning confirmation of his leadership, Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers has been named the National League Manager of the Year for the second consecutive season. This announcement came just moments ago from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with Murphy securing an overwhelming 27 of 30 first-place votes.
Murphy’s remarkable achievement places him in elite company, as he becomes the first NL manager to win back-to-back awards since Bobby Cox in 2004 and 2005. The Brewers finished the season with a historic 97-65 record, marking a franchise best, and showcased a phenomenal turnaround, going 29-4 after a slow start in early July.
The Brewers’ season was marked by a thrilling 14-game winning streak, another franchise record, propelling them past the Chicago Cubs and into the postseason. Milwaukee ultimately claimed victory over Chicago in the NL Division Series, securing their first postseason series win since sweeping the Colorado Rockies in 2018. However, their journey ended in the NL Championship Series, where they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Murphy, who will celebrate his 67th birthday on November 28, has an extensive background in baseball, including eight seasons as the Brewers’ bench coach. He stepped into the managerial role after Craig Counsell departed for the Cubs in November 2023. Last season, Murphy led the Brewers to a strong 93-69 record, clinching the NL Central title.
In a competitive field, Rob Thomson of the Philadelphia Phillies and Terry Francona of the Cincinnati Reds were also in contention for the award. Thomson led the Phillies to a solid 96-66 record and a second consecutive NL East title, while Francona guided the Reds to their first playoff appearance since 2020.
As the MLB Awards Week continues, the Cy Young Award winners for each league will be announced tomorrow, followed by the Most Valuable Players on Thursday.
This latest accolade underscores Murphy’s significant impact on the Brewers and their pursuit of postseason success. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for Milwaukee under his experienced guidance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
