Dale Murphy, Atlanta Braves Center Fieldman - A True American Hero

One of the many dreams that my Brother Jason had, was to travel to Los Angeles to meet Dale Murphy and the Atlanta Braves. In 1984 his dream and the dream of my family came true.

My Father and Mother, as do most parents, wanted to see the dreams of their children come true. They were in a position where they did just that. Looking back, now as an adult, I can see where that desire to help their children's dream come true, may have come at a great sacrifice. Nevertheless, they desired to do all they could for my brother Jason's dream to come true.

Jason was born with a very rare bone disease. After reaching the age of 8, he was no longer able to walk and therefore spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Jason loved the Atlanta Braves. He watched most games on TBS and became a huge fan of Dale Murphy. The trip was planned and the arrangements were made to travel to Los Angeles and to spend time with Dale Murphy and the Atlanta Braves. We arrived at the Hyatt Regency and were immediately met by Dale's Father -In-Law, who helped us make the contact and arrangements with Dale. The time finally arrived and Dale walked through the main doors at the hotel. Hie eyes immediately went to Jason and they began to speak. Dale Murphy spent more than an hour speaking to Jason and my family, presenting a baseball glove and other signed items to my brother. I remember seeing tears fill my parents eyes as they witnessed the genuine compassion of this great baseball player, and how he gave of himself at that time. Christian principles teach that giving of oneself is the greatest thing that we can give to our fellowman. Dale did just that. The remaining part of the trip we spent eating with the team, getting autographs of each of the team members, and enjoying the time we had as a family.

Truly, Jason's dream came true. It wasn't long after that highlighted trip, Jason passed away. But this I can say; Thanks be to God for people like Dale Murphy who still to this day, does not realize how important that time was in the life of my Big Brother Jason. Thanks, Dale Murphy.

Today, in the present time, Dale continues to stand up for what he believes is true. He and his wife have dedicated a large portion of their time in educating young people about the ill effects of sport enhancing drugs. They travel all around the country, teaching and educating all people about playing the game for fun and playing the game of baseball for the true reason.

Many times Dale's name has come up for to be inducted into MLB Baseball's Hall of Fame. No better person than Dale Murphy to be inducted into that great hall. Baseball is more than stats. Baseball is more than numbers. Baseball, America's past-time, is about character and it is about doing things for the right reasons.

In the early 80's Dale was my brother's hero and is still my hero today. Thanks Dale Murphy.

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