Jerry Mumphrey spent 15 seasons patrolling various outfields across the majors, including a stop with the Astros in the 80’s which saw him earn his first and only All-Star selection. The pride of Tyler, Texas joins us today for our 15th installment of our continuing Legends Series.
Q: So many great athletes have come through Tyler, Texas; you, Earl Campbell, Patrick Mahomes, Johnny Manziel among others. What’s with Tyler, Texas? Is there something in the water out there?
A: (laughs) You know Tyler has put out a lot of good athletes throughout the years. Most of those guys are football guys but I was able to make it professionally too. It’s a special place.
Q: On August 10th, 1983, you were dealt to Houston and made an immediate impact. What was it like going from the Yankees and playing for Billy Martin, to the Astros and being managed by Bob Lillis? That had to have been night and day.
A: It was one extreme to the other. That was a good trade for me. I got to play for my home team and playing in the Astrodome was special. It really worked out well for me.
Q: It really did and in 1984, you made the All-Star Team. How special was that?
A: That was always one of my goals in baseball. The other was to win the World Series.
To make the All-Star was a happy experience for me. Unfortunately, I only got into the game as a pinch hitter and I struck out, but at least we won the game.
Q: Toughest pitcher you faced in your career?
A: There were a lot of tough guys. Nolan Ryan, even Fernando Valenzuela, heck even when Don Sutton was with the A’s, he was still good at his craft. They all had different stuff and styles but were all tough.
Q: Favorite opposing ballpark/city?
A: I loved playing in all of them, but you know this might surprise you, but I always hit really good in Philadelphia. I don’t know why, but playing at the old Vet, I had some big games there and that would be on the top of my list.
