Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
When Eddie Murray was playing, he was as cool as the other side of the pillow. He’d stand at the plate, on either side, quietly ready to hit whatever pitch came his way—hard. He was a switch-hitting force of nature, reaching milestones no one else has with his approach. Here are 12 examples of just how legendary he was.
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504 Home Runs: Power from Both Sides of the Plate
Every crack of Murray’s bat was a promise kept, whether he was batting left or right. With 504 home runs, he became only the second switch-hitter ever to join the exclusive 500 Club—proof that pitchers never got a break, no matter which side he stood on.
3,255 Hits: The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness
While Eddie Murray never had a 200-hit season, he was steady throughout his career, compiling 3,255 hits. He averaged 174 hits per year, which was remarkable, and finished with a .287 lifetime batting average.
Eight-Time All-Star: Summer Classic Mainstay
When July rolled around, you expected fireworks, lemonade, and Eddie Murray at first base for the All-Star Game. He earned his nickname “Steady Eddie” for good reason.
Rookie of the Year, 1977: A Debut to Remember
Bell-bottoms and disco might have faded, but Eddie’s 1977 Rookie of the Year season still shines. He mashed 27 homers, drove in 88 runs, and scored 81 himself. It was a sign of what was to come.
Three Gold Gloves: Defensive Wizard at First
While his bat grabbed headlines, Murray was far from one-dimensional. Three Gold Gloves meant he could scoop bad throws out of the dirt as easily as he handled tough pitches at the plate.
Three Silver Sluggers: The Bat That Wouldn’t Quit
Three times, Murray’s bat was the best in baseball, earning him the Silver Slugger. Pitchers tried everything from fastballs to curveballs to junk, but Eddie just kept hitting.
Most RBI by a Switch-Hitter—A Record Long Held
With 1,917 career RBIs, Murray drove in more runs than any switch-hitter in baseball history for many years. Carlos Beltrán eventually edged past him, but Murray was always the hitter managers wanted at the plate with runners on.
Only Player with 500 Homers and 3,000 Hits as a Switch-Hitter
Baseball’s record books have a soft spot for rare company, but Murray is in a league of his own. No other switch-hitter has reached both 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. Even so, Steady Eddie tends to be overlooked when people discuss the game’s best hitters.
Six Top-5 MVP Finishes: Always in the Conversation
Even if he never took home the MVP trophy, Murray was always right there—six times in the top five in MVP voting, a constant in the game’s most heated debates. He was the unwavering rock that anchored the batting order.
He Led The League In Intentional Walks Three Times
Opposing teams hated seeing Murray at the plate with a chance to do damage. That’s why they often chose to intentionally walk him and take their chances with other hitters. What’s he doing in this photo? Probably calling out the opposing pitcher for the intentional walk.
1983 World Series Champion: Baltimore’s Finest Hour
Steady Eddie made the World Series three times. He lost twice, in ’79 to the “We Are Family” Pirates and in ’95 to the Braves. However, in ’83, he and Cal Ripken Jr. got to celebrate with champagne for the only time in their careers. He hit clutch home runs and flashed a steady glove to help seal the city’s last baseball championship. Fans hope he’ll be around to see the Orioles win another.
Cooperstown Immortal: Hall of Fame Class of 2003
In 2003, Murray’s career received its final stamp: a bronze plaque in Cooperstown. True to form, his acceptance speech was understated but heartfelt.