Red Murray

Who was Red Murray?

John Joseph "Red" Murray was a professional baseball player.

Murray was born in Arnot, Pennsylvania. In 1902, Murray attended Lock Haven College where he played football, basketball, and baseball. In 1904, Murray changed schools to the University of Notre Dame, playing catcher for the Fighting Irish. In 1906, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. The next year, in 1907, he played the outfield and hit seven home runs. During the season, Murray hit a 471-foot home run. In 1908, he played in all 154 games and finished second in the NL in stolen bases, third in hits, home runs.

He was traded to the New York Giants and helped win John McGraw three consecutive pennants. From 1909 to 1912 Murray ranked third in the NL in total RBIs, trailing only Honus Wagner and Sherry Magee. He and Wagner tied for the most home runs in the majors from 1907 through 1909.