UMass Lowell Athletics

(1980) - John David Murphy[apos]s baseball achievements at Lowell State College (1970-74) were outstanding. His .485 batting average in 1973 earned him the Adirondack Big Stick Award as the number one hitter among District I players while ranking him third in the nation among collegiate batters.

The prestigious award was formally presented to Murphy by American League MVP Reggie Jackson at the 1974 College Baseball Coaches Convention held in San Francisco. Following the ceremony, LSC athletic director Jim Ciszek proclaimed, [quote]With this award, John Murphy has officially placed Lowell State College on the national college baseball map.[quote]

Murphy holds a host of LSC records including: most games played (63), most at bats (214), most hits (86), most assists (135), and most doubles (17). The former shortstop with a career .401 batting average was named to the Massachusetts State College Conference All-Star team in three of his four years.

Elected co-captain his senior year, Murphy was also honored as the recipient of LSC[apos]s Senior Athlete Award (outstanding athlete) for his noteworthy achievements on the baseball diamond.