Danny Murtaugh

Daniel Edward Murtaugh (October 8, 1917 - December 2, 1976) was an American second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball best known for his leadership of the Pittsburgh Pirates from the 1950s to the 1970s. He threw and batted right-handed.

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A native of Chester, Pennsylvania, Murtaugh played during nine seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies (1941-43, 1946), Boston Braves (1947) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1948-51)

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In his rookie season Murtaugh led National League players in stolen bases (18). He was a .254 career hitter with eight home runs and 219 RBI in 767 games. His most productive season came in 1948, when he hit .290 and posted career highs in RBI (71), runs (56), doubles (21), triples (5) and games played (146). In 1950 he hit .294, also a career-high.

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After retiring as a player, he managed the minor league New Orleans Pelicans briefly before joining the Pirates, for 15 seasons (1957-64, 1967, 1970-71, 1973-76). Murtaugh guided the team to two World Series championships (1960, 1971) and four Eastern Division titles (1970-71, 1974-75). As a manager, he compiled a 1115-960 record in 2068 games (.540). His multiple stints with the team were due to chronic poor health that caused him to resign the position on three different occasions.

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Murtaugh died in his hometown of a heart attack at age 59, shortly after announcing his retirement. His number 40 was retired by the Pirates in 1977.

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October 8: October 8 is the 281st day of the year (282nd in leap years). There are 84 days remaining in the year....

1917: 1917 was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar....

1976: 1976 is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar)....

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