Prior to the Chicago’s world series drought, Charlie Murphy purchased the Cubs for a mere $100,000, and led the organization to four pennants, and two world series championships. However, Murphy became a polarizing character, prone to countless squabbles and controversies. After securing a loan from Charles Taft (the half brother of President William Taft), Murphy turned the Cubs fortunes around, but in the end, was no longer welcomed as a baseball owner.
Jason Cannon describes Murphy’s humble upbringing, and becoming a success as a sports journalist in Cincinnati. In era where it was common for sports franchises to hire writers for PR work, Murphy became the assistant secretary for the New York Giants, where he learned from the legendary manager John McGraw. In 1906, Murphy’s Cubs faced the south side’s Chicago White Sox to the delight of Windy City baseball fans.
Murphy developed a triumphant relationship with player/manager Frank Chance. The skipper would suggest players the team needed to succeed, and Murphy used his resources to acquire the talent. Chance was a members on the famous “Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance” double play combination. Yet in the end, Murphy alienated his relationships with Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, Chance, and popular pitcher Mordecai Brown.
In “Charlie Murphy,” the author writes extensively about the fall outs that caused irreparable damage to Murphy’s reputation with his fellow owners. Cannon does an outstanding jobs detailing Murphy’s fight with the federal league, ticket snafus, and his friction with National League President Harry Pulliam. By age forty six, Murphy was out of organized baseball. This is a fabulous work on an often forgotten baseball magnate.
By: Jason Cannon
Narrated by: Donald Villella
Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 01-22-24
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press