Pat Murphy Leads Brewers to First World Series Title

Pat Murphy walked out of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Wednesday night as the manager of the world champion Milwaukee Brewers.

Murphy, who is one month shy of turning 68, led the team to a five-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. This marks the first title in franchise history. He overcame a heart attack six years ago and a past NCAA scandal to reach this point.

The manager recalled the medical emergency with a wry tone. An ambulance driver asked for his next of kin, prompting Murphy to joke, “Bro, next of kin? I’m not going anywhere.” He has maintained his unhip demeanor since joining the organization, often quipping that he is not on social media, Twizzler, or Instacart.

Murphy is known for his strict standards. He instituted “The Check Game” in 2016, where players and staff receive a check on a whiteboard for displaying ego. Owner Mark Attanasio noted that Murphy excels at delivering tough love, including pulling players like Cooper Pratt and William Contreras for not running hard during the season.

His path to the big leagues was unconventional. Murphy pitched in college and briefly in the minors before becoming a coach. He resigned from Arizona State in 2010 after an NCAA investigation resulted in a one-year penalty for his lack of oversight. He then managed minor league affiliates for the San Diego Padres before returning to the majors as a bench coach for the Brewers.

Murphy has been married three times and has four children: Keli, Kai, Austin, and Jaxon. He often brings his youngest children to postgame news conferences, where he engages in digressions about neckties and his Bruce Springsteen tattoos. He refuses to shake hands with players during introductions, calling the tradition “happy horse manure.”

The manager credited the Arizona State setback for shaping his leadership style. He said he realized the position was about others rather than himself. “I know I’m under construction, and I’ve enjoyed the construction project,” Murphy said. He is now the first person to potentially win the Manager of the Year award in three straight seasons.

The Brewers will return to Milwaukee to celebrate the championship. Murphy plans to continue his role as the check master for the team, ensuring accountability remains central to their culture.