About Tony Murphy
Lived 1859 – 1915 (aged 55–56). Tony Murphy was an American baseball player.
Francis J. "Tony" Murphy (July 1859 – December 15, 1915) was an American Association catcher who played for the 1884 New York Metropolitans. He appeared in one game on October 15, 1884 and recorded one hit and one run in three at-bats. He remained in the minor leagues through 1889, playing primarily in the Connecticut State League and the New England League.
In July 1883, Murphy became the first professional baseball player to use William Gray's patented inflatable chest protector. Although mocked "unmercifully" for protecting himself, Murphy's adoption of the chest guard eventually made overhand pitching safe and widespread.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Tony Murphy's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Tony Murphy's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Tony Murphy?
American baseball player
When was Tony Murphy born?
Tony Murphy was born in 1859 in New York City.
When did Tony Murphy die?
Tony Murphy died on 15 December 1915 in New York City.
What was Tony Murphy's occupation?
Tony Murphy was a baseball player.
What nationality was Tony Murphy?
Tony Murphy was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Tony Murphy (baseball)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tony Murphy. https://biography.guide/tony-murphy-baseball-player/
MLA: "Tony Murphy." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tony-murphy-baseball-player/.
Chicago: "Tony Murphy." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tony-murphy-baseball-player/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:27 UTC