'Michigan Felt The Most Right' For Murphy

MASON - What was not to like when Michigan came to see Michael Murphy pitch?

“They came to watch two games at East Cobb,” the 15th-ranked 2023 in Ohio said. “The first game I pitched five innings and had 13 Ks and the second I threw five innings with no runs and six strikeouts. I got out of a bases-loaded jam after a walk and two errors. They said they like my ability to compete at the next level.”

There were numerous offers given to the Mason senior, with Indiana, Ohio State, Tulane, Kent State, Bowling Green, Pittsburgh and Florida International showing strong belief in the 6-0 185-pounder.

“Michigan felt the most right,” Murphy explained. “The visit felt right when I was looking at the campus. I really liked the coaches and what they plan to do. I’m curious to see how it turns out, but I just felt at home with the coaches.”

Murphy made his initial connection with Michigan thanks to a pair of teammates on his summer team that are going there.

“They contacted the coaches when I was pitching and I did well,” Murphy noted. “I had a phone call with them that night and the next week went on a campus visit. I committed two days later.”

It capped off a recruiting process that was helped out by increased velocity, while also adding a cutter/slider to a fastball and curve.

“It started off slow,” admitted Murphy. “The biggest part was I had a velo jump from my sophomore year to junior year. I went from touching 87-88 to sitting 88-90 and touching 92, one time 93. My recruiting took off after that. The biggest thing was training before anything happens.”

The drive to play at the next level heated up for Murphy ninth-grade school year.

“Me and two friends made the JVs as freshmen and that was big with half of that team juniors,” Murphy reflected. “It showed me how the game was supposed to be played at a high level. I just kept working and got my first offer after sophomore summer.”

More offers followed before finding the right fit.

“I was late deciding,’ Murphy explained. “I had choices, but not that ONE that felt right until Michigan. It’s a big relief. Now I don’t have to jump on calls. It’s a relief to have it finally be over and know that I’m going to a place that I love with great academics.”

It also brings a little change at the Murphy household, where the 17-year-old grew up an Ohio State fan.

“My dad went to Ohio State and my sister goes to Ohio State, so it will always be that rivalry,” Murphy said. “Now my room has Michigan stuff in it.”

Business will be the college major for Murphy, who carries a 4.0 GPA at Mason.

“I’m really looking forward to the practices and big game days and I can’t wait for the team bonding,” Murphy concluded about what he is anticipating the most about his future at Michigan. “I’m a big fan of team bonding. I already know a couple guys there so I’m looking forward to that and the great practices we're going to have there.”