EAST WATERFORD, Meredith W. “Spud” Murray, 82, of East Waterford, died at 9:35 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2011, at his home
Born on October 28, 1928 in Media, Delaware County, he was a son of the late J. Warrington and Elizabeth A. (Boyd) Murray.
He is survived by a daughter, Amanda S. Miller, her husband John and children Bailey E. Miller and Gavin M. Miller, all of Mohrsville, two sisters, Phyllis Colvin, of Mt. Joy, Esther Culbertson, of Gradyville, and he leaves behind four stepchildren and eleven step-grandchildren.
Two brothers, K. Leroy Murray and W. Ralph Murray, preceded him in death.
Mr. Murray retired from the maintenance department of the Ridley School District in Delaware County.
A tall right-handed pitcher, Spud was signed at the age of 17 by the Cleveland Indians, but suffered an arm injury in the minor leagues that ended his hopes of a major league career. He later made his mark as a batting practice pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1958-59 and for the New York Yankees from 1960-68. One of his more memorable seasons with the Yankees was 1961, throwing to former Yankee greats Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. Maris broke Babe Ruth’s single season record by hitting 61 home runs and the Yankees defeated the Cincinnati Reds, winning the World Series. In 1980, Philadelphia Phillies Manager Dallas Green, an old friend from Spud’s minor league days in Cleveland, asked him to help pitch batting practice to the team’s pitchers during homestands. The Phillies went on to win the 1980 World Series, becoming the sixth championship team Spud was a part of.
After his retirement, he relocated to Juniata County, where he enjoyed the outdoors that defined him, especially hunting and trout fishing as well as baseball.
Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge Street, Mifflintown.
For those who desire, memorial contributions in Mr. Murray’s memory may be made to the Upper Tuscarora Presbyterian Church Fishing Derby, c/o Clair L. Yohn, 2014 Route 75 South, East Waterford, PA 17021.
Online tributes and condolences may be extended to the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.