Pat Murphy has instilled an underdog mentality that has fueled the success for the National League Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Under the spirited guidance of the first-year manager, the team has taken that nothing-to-lose mantra to heart. It remains on a mission to prove itself as a resilient, worthy defending division champion. The young, hungry Brewers are currently in first place with a 26-17 overall record (.605 winning percentage), two full games ahead of the second-place Chicago Cubs.
Pat Murphy Has Instilled Underdog Mentality
Team Forging Identity Under First-Year Manager
Reminiscent of the great teams in franchise history, Murphy has combined a never-say-die, blue-collar daily approach with that underdog philosophy. It’s been a winning formula and has produced statement-making results. Boasting one of the youngest rosters in baseball, the Brewers have demonstrated an ability to compete with consistency. With a good blend of speed, power, and talent, the team has simply found ways to win.
“I love doing what I’m doing and I’m passionate,” said Murphy, in his introductory press conference in November 16, 2023. “That’s all I can go on. I’m not spending a lot of time thinking about if I’m liked or not or if somebody’s pleased with me or not. It’s about love and discipline.”
Brewers general manager Matt Arnold is quick to point out that Murphy has put his own unique stamp on the squad. “Every team that I’ve been a part of takes on the personality of the manager,” said Arnold, in an interview. “Murph is certainly fiery, and I think you see that with how many times we’ve cleared the benches this year. He’s a competitor at heart; that’s his brand. That’s infused into our clubhouse and how we play the game. When you play in the smallest market in the Major Leagues, you have to bring that extra edge and play like an underdog. Murph exudes that level of energy for us every single day.”
“It’s a different job title, but to me, I think he’s pretty much the same.”@BRiCEcTuRANG says @Brewers manager Pat Murphy is doing a great job at the helm. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/cih7JKqUvu
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 14, 2024
Murphy Sustaining Franchise’s Winning Culture
Standout players such as catcher William Contreras, outfielder Christian Yelich, shortstop Willy Adames, second baseman Brice Turang, and recently called-up starting pitcher Robert Gasser have embraced Murphy’s approach and continue to thrive within the situation. From an offensive standpoint, the team ranks within the top three in the NL in numerous statistical categories. Most notably, generating 55 home runs and 55 stolen bases. Joining the Philadelphia Phillies as the first two teams to eclipse the 50-50 mark in those categories this season.
“The @Brewers have a culture of ‘figuring it out’ and they’ve done it again this year.”
Ron Darling, @Joelsherman1 and @adnansvirk discuss Milwaukee’s early success despite losing key pieces over the offseason and to injury.#MLBNow | #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/MLn5DiYbBZ
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) May 13, 2024
Coming off back-to-back division series victories over the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates, momentum appears to be on the Brewers’ side. The team put an exclamation point on the memorable homestand by finishing with a five-home run 10-2 victory over the Pirates at American Family Field on Wednesday afternoon. With the steady maturity and continued success, the self-proclaimed underdogs could re-establish themselves as top dog come season’s end.
Main Photo Credits: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
