How did you get interested in baseball?
I played when I was eight years old, started little league, and again in high school. I was drafted in 1974 by the Atlanta Braves, from high school into the minor leagues, and got into professional baseball.
Was this your plan?
I never thought anything like this would become a reality. It was an opportunity that came up. I didn’t think about it seriously until scouts were watching me.
What were some of your greatest experiences and accomplishments in baseball?
In 1982 and 1983 I was voted MVP of the National League, my highlight of my career, and got into playoffs in 1982. 1982 was the highlight year. I also played on seven All-Star teams.
How did you get to the pinnacle of your game?
I started improving in my hitting as I got older and stronger and got chances to play in the late 1970’s. Getting a chance was the main thing. Things just worked out in those MVP years. Playing for Joe Torre, a good manager, really helped.
Everything kind of comes together. Guys have good years, you have a good team, and it all kind of works together.
What did baseball teach you about life?
Sometimes things don’t go too well, and you strike out and make errors. But you keep pushing along. You can work hard and succeed but you have to have a good attitude and realize that things won’t always go well. You must keep fighting.
What personable attributes have helped you succeed not only in baseball, but in life?
I think I understand what is most important in life which helps me keep priorities straight. It helped me in baseball. Just work hard in whatever you do and have a positive attitude.
When were you converted?
I was playing minor league in 1975 when a fellow teammate Bonnell introduced me to the church and asked me if I wanted to know more.
What sort of influence did being a member of the Church have in your career?
It taught me what’s most important. It gives you a nice balance and helps you because your career can get out of balance and cause you to think your career and you are more important than they really are. I’ve also learned to have a good work ethic.
How did you meet your wife?
In 1978, I went to school at BYU and met her there. We had mutual friends. I just kind of knew she was the right one. You just know.
How have you maintained the principles of the Gospel in your life while performing at the highest level of your sport?
It’s a matter of individual choice. You must stay committed to what is right. Make decisions on who you hang out with and where you are going. Usually guys hang out with people they shouldn’t be with and get in trouble. It’s just a matter of making good choices and staying committed.
Whatever we do in life will give us opportunities to serve others and be a good example. It’s an opportunity to associate with others and set a good example. Every occupation offers it.
What advice do you give to people trying to figure out what to do next?
The main thing is let the lessons you learn stay with you. Let life go through you and stay with you. Live a life that continues to build others through service. Get involved locally wherever you are living. Let the lessons from life serve as the foundation for your future.
An All-Star baseball player, Dale Murphy became the fourth back-to-back National League MVP winner, and, at 27, he was the youngest player to win the award in consecutive seasons. He retired from baseball in 1993 with 398 home runs. Not bad for a player whom the Phillies scouts had once said "It is doubtful that he'll develop into a power hitter." In 1987, Dale was named one of Sports Illustrated 's Sportsmen of the Year, | 
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