Robert Allan Murphy was a renowned American sportscaster with a career spanning 50 years in Major League Baseball play-by-play broadcasting. Born on September 19, 1924, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Murphy began his broadcasting journey with the minor league Muskogee Reds. By 1954, he had entered the major league, announcing for the Boston Red Sox alongside Curt Gowdy. Brief stints with the Baltimore Orioles and Roger Maris' record-breaking season followed. However, Murphy's most iconic association was with the New York Mets, beginning in 1962 until his retirement in 2003. Known for his optimistic approach, Murphy rarely criticized players, focusing on the game's joyful aspects. His impartiality was evident, never overtly favoring the Mets, yet his subtle reactions revealed his preferences. A notable moment in his career was his rare show of frustration during a challenging Mets game in 1990. Murphy was also recognized for his work outside baseball, including announcing for the New York Titans, college football, minor league hockey, and hosting the "Bowling for Dollars" show. Despite his broad portfolio, Murphy's love for baseball remained unmatched. His excellence was acknowledged with the Ford C. Frick Award in 1994, induction into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1984, and the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame in 2002. After battling throat inflammation, Murphy retired in 2003 and moved to Florida. He passed away from lung cancer on August 3, 2004. In tribute, the Mets commemorated his contributions with a plaque at Citi Field in 2023.

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