1985 Profile: Dale Murray

"It was difficult for Dale Murray to smile in 1984. He was hampered most of the year with a back injury, and when he did get to pitch again at the end of the season, he just wasn't himself.
The year began with promise as Murray posted a 1-1 record and 0.93 ERA through May 1. But soon after, he was injured and stayed on the disabled list until early August. He then began a rehabilitation assignment at Columbus (Triple-A) and was put back on the Yankees roster for the final month and half of the season. His ERA ballooned to 4.94 and Dale was just happy to see the season end. He needed a good rest and that's what he got over the winter.
Now he's able to compete for the role as right-handed long reliever and occasional starter. Regaining the form he had as the ace of Toronto's bullpen in 1982 is Murray's goal, and one he's determined to achieve."

-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook

"Murray spent most of the year disabled with a back injury. He began the season posting a 1-1 record with an 0.93 ERA through May 1, then was placed on the disabled list on May 10 and began the long process of resting his back. Assigned to Columbus from late July to early August, Dale was recalled for the final month and a half, pitching in 12 games.
Originally signed by Montreal in June 1970, Dale had suffered a broken femur bone near his right hip in 1969 during college practice, missing first the 1969 season, then the 1971 season when the surgical pins were removed. He was called up by Montreal in 1974 and made his major league debut on July 6. Dale missed more than a month of the 1975 season because of hepatitis.
He had compiled a streak of 247.1 innings without allowing a home run from August 18, 1974 to August 20, 1976 when Bobby Murcer homered off him in San Francisco. Murray's homerless string is the longest in the post-World War II era.
In 1981 he led all International League relievers with a 1.85 ERA and 16 saves in 52 appearances, being named to the International League All-Star team. Murray was the ace of the Toronto bullpen in 1982, setting Blue Jay club marks with 11 saves, 56 appearances by a right-handed pitcher, 111 innings pitched in relief and most relief appearances. Dale's only save as a Yankee came on May 1, 1983 at Texas, his first decision as a Bomber, and he got his first Yankee win on May 31 at California.
Dale graduated from Cuero Senior High in 1968 after receiving all-tournament awards in '66 and '67, lettering for three years. He attended Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas and Victoria College in Victoria, Texas. Dale's hobbies include hunting and working on cars and he enjoys rodeos. Dale acquired the nickname 'Spud' after former Yankee batting practice pitcher Spud Murray."

-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide