Brewers' Pat Murphy Named NL Manager of the Year

Defying expectations is no small feat, but the Milwaukee Brewers did just that under the guidance of manager Pat Murphy in 2024. The young team opted out of a rebuilding year, faced injuries head-on, surpassed their projected win total, and extended the longest run of regular season success in franchise history. For these achievements, Murphy has been honored with the National League Manager of the Year Award by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).

Murphy received this prestigious award by topping fellow finalists Mike Shildt of the Padres and Carlos Mendoza of the Mets, securing first place on 27 of the 30 ballots cast, and second place on the remaining three. This recognition marks a historic moment for the Brewers, as Murphy becomes the first manager in the franchise's history to win the award since its inception by the BBWAA in 1983.

Murphy, who will turn 66 on November 28, has a notable background with the Brewers. He was Craig Counsell’s mentor at Notre Dame and later served as Counsell’s bench coach in Milwaukee from 2016 to 2023. Murphy took over as manager after Counsell left in free agency last fall. This season, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience, guiding his team through challenges and emerging victorious.

Reflecting on the honor, Murphy humbly attributed the award to his team and staff. “Any award like that is a team award. It’s a staff award,” Murphy said during a recent visit to Milwaukee. “It's embarrassing even to be mentioned with it. If you love this and you're passionate about what it means, then those types of things don’t fit with what you're really all about.

"It's about keeping your head down, trying to impact people, helping in any way you can, moving the ball forward, and then getting back in the huddle. Let someone else measure the impact years from now.”

​Murphy’s recognition not only celebrates his managerial prowess but also underscores the collective effort and spirit of the Brewers. As the team looks ahead to the future, they do so with a proven leader at the helm, ready to tackle new challenges and continue their path of success.