Humor a big part of Murphy's style

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Humor a big part of Murphy's style
06/15/2007 9:55 AM ET
By Evan Mohl / MLB.com

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's Mike Murphy's approach in the broadcasting booth as he relies on what has always worked for him since he was a kid: making people laugh.
For as long as Murphy can remember, humor has always been a part of who he is. From his time as the "Prince of Darkness" on Syracuse radio to putting on eye black as a form of intimidation in the radio booth, comedy and wit have been staples of Murphy's personality.
"I've always been a wise guy," said Murphy. "I'm that way all the time, ask anybody that works with me. I have a hard time taking life seriously."
So, instead of trying to change his attitude, demeanor and style when he got hired to do play-by-play for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in 2004, Murphy has made humor a part of his broadcasts and on-air repertoire. He does this not to gain additional listeners or to increase ratings, but because he's being himself.
"I like to think I'm unconventional, in a way that humor is a big part of what I do," said Murphy. "I'm just going to try to be who I am."
In a world where broadcasters are often taught to conform to a specific style or person, Murphy's approach is refreshing. During broadcasts, Murphy will often invite fans to send him instant messages with their thoughts on the game, and get players' family members to write goofy messages that he can read on air.
In a recent game against Erie, a player smashed a foul ball that nearly took off Murphy's head. "I had about 10 pre-pubescent girls reaching through trying to get to the foul ball while still trying to broadcast the game," laughed Murphy. "I told listeners I was the most popular guy in the ballpark for about 45 seconds."
When Murphy was in Akron, he invited a former intern to join him in the broadcast booth for an inning. Besides talking about the game, the two discussed Lebron James' house -- located in Akron -- and its recent barber-shop addition. They carefully dissected and analyzed the requirements for having a barber shop. Is it just a chair and some scissors? Are there a minimum number of people needed?
"I learned I could use humor and make it work," said Murphy.
Listeners, however, shouldn't mistake Murphy's humor for a lack of baseball knowledge or appreciation. Murphy is as much of baseball purist as anyone. A love of the game was instilled in him at a young age by his father, and he attended Syracuse University's prestigious broadcast journalism school so he could one day call baseball.
"[Broadcasting baseball] was always my No. 1 passion, a dream," recalled Murphy. "Baseball was my favorite sport growing up. Baseball is where I wanted to go."
In 2004, when Murphy discovered the Fisher Cats were coming to Manchester, he, along with his current partner Bob Lipman, lobbied tirelessly to their radio station manager at WKXL to secure the broadcasting rights so he could live out his dream of broadcasting baseball.
It worked.
During the games, Murphy's does not let his humor overshadow his love of baseball or the beauty of the sport. He constantly tries to reveal the little things that can change a baseball game like where the outfielders are shaded and if the first baseman is hugging the line.
"What amazes me is how little I know about the game after watching thousands and thousands of games as a fan, announcer and everything else," said Murphy. "I learn something every day. It's a game you love because there are so many details in every single pitch. So much involved from the second that the game begins to the end, and I try to pass this all onto the listeners."
Murphy's baseball purism, coupled with his wit and humor, make Fisher Cats broadcasts unique. Listeners can learn, laugh, and above all else, have fun with Murphy.
"There's enough serious stuff in life that a baseball game on the radio [should be] fun," said Murphy. "And there's a lot of fun you can have."

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.