While he announced his retirement in 2021, it appears that three-time All-Star and former New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy couldn’t fight the itch to return to the game he loves. On Wednesday morning, the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League announced the signing of the 12-year MLB veteran.
“This game is part of my soul, and my passion for playing grew as great as ever when I discovered certain things that I believe will enable me to be productive on the field again,” Murphy said in a statement.
The 37-year-old Murphy last played baseball with the Colorado Rockies in 2020. He retired the following season and later resurfaced in 2022 when he participated in the Mets Old Timers’ Game. Murphy spent the majority of his 12-year career with the New York Mets (2008,09, 2011-15). He was named an MLB All-Star in 2014 and helped lead the Mets to a World Series appearance a year later. In the 2015 playoffs, Murphy was a Mets folk hero, as he became the first player in Major League history to hit a home run in six consecutive postseason games.
While he enjoyed a lot of success with the Mets, a lot of his notoriety came with the Washington Nationals (2016-18). Murphy was named an All-Star in 2016 and 2017, while also winning two National League Silver Slugger Awards during that same time frame. He also finished second in the National League MVP voting in 2016 behind Kris Bryant after leading the league in doubles (47), slugging percentage (.595) and OPS (.985).
For his career, Murphy hit .296/.391/.455 with 138 home runs and 735 RBIs, across his time with the Mets, Nationals, Rockies and Chicago Cubs. Now, he’ll look to revitalize his baseball career with the LI Ducks.
