Charles Murphy (baseball)
Encyclopedia
Charles Webb Murphy was the owner of the Chicago Cubs
of the National League
from through . Originally a sportswriter for the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Cincinnati Times-Star, Murphy joined the New York Giants
front office in 1905. After the 1905 season, Murphy purchased the Cubs from Jim Hart
, in a bid financed by a loan from Charles Phelps Taft
, owner of the Enquirer. Murphy repaid the loan in full with the profits from the 1906 season.
It was under Murphy's ownership that the Cubs won the franchise's only two World Series
titles, in 1907
and 1908
. After several years as Cubs owner, Murphy became a disliked figure amongst other owners in the National League, the press, and his players. He sold the Cubs to Charles Phelps Taft
after the 1913 season.
Murphy also held a 50% stake in the Baker Bowl
, the former home field of the Philadelphia Phillies
, which was sold to him by fomer Phillies owner Horace Fogel
in 1912.
After leaving baseball, Murphy returned to Wilmington, Ohio
and financed the construction of the Murphy Theater
.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
of the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
from through . Originally a sportswriter for the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Cincinnati Times-Star, Murphy joined the New York Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
front office in 1905. After the 1905 season, Murphy purchased the Cubs from Jim Hart
Jim Hart (baseball)
James Aristotle Hart was a manager for the Louisville Colonels and the Boston Beaneaters for parts of three seasons....
, in a bid financed by a loan from Charles Phelps Taft
Charles Phelps Taft
Charles Phelps Taft I was an American lawyer and politician.-Biography:He was born on December 21, 1843 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Alphonso Taft, and his brother was President William Howard Taft....
, owner of the Enquirer. Murphy repaid the loan in full with the profits from the 1906 season.
It was under Murphy's ownership that the Cubs won the franchise's only two World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
titles, in 1907
1907 World Series
The 1907 World Series featured the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers, with the Cubs winning the Series four games to none for their first championship....
and 1908
1908 World Series
The 1908 World Series matched the defending champion Chicago Cubs against the Detroit Tigers in a rematch of the 1907 Series. In this first-ever rematch of this young event, the Cubs won in five games for their second consecutive title....
. After several years as Cubs owner, Murphy became a disliked figure amongst other owners in the National League, the press, and his players. He sold the Cubs to Charles Phelps Taft
Charles Phelps Taft
Charles Phelps Taft I was an American lawyer and politician.-Biography:He was born on December 21, 1843 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Alphonso Taft, and his brother was President William Howard Taft....
after the 1913 season.
Murphy also held a 50% stake in the Baker Bowl
Baker Bowl
Baker Bowl is the best-known popular name of a baseball park that formerly stood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Its formal name, painted on its outer wall, was National League Park. It was also initially known as Philadelphia Park or Philadelphia Base Ball Grounds.It was on a small...
, the former home field of the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, which was sold to him by fomer Phillies owner Horace Fogel
Horace Fogel
Horace Fogel was a Major League Baseball manager. In 1887, Horace was the manager for the Indianapolis Hoosiers. His record was 20-49. In he was the manager for the New York Giants with a record of 18-23....
in 1912.
After leaving baseball, Murphy returned to Wilmington, Ohio
Wilmington, Ohio
Wilmington is a city in and the county seat of Clinton County, Ohio, United States. The population was 12,520 at the 2010 census. At city entrances from state routes, county roads, and U.S. highways, the city slogan of "We Honor Our Champions" is seen, accompanied by signs that highlight various...
and financed the construction of the Murphy Theater
Murphy Theater
The Murphy Theater is a historic theater in downtown Wilmington, Ohio. The theater can be seen in the film Lost in Yonkers. Recently, the Murphy has been host to such nationally acclaimed acts as the...
.