Craig McMurtry – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Craig McMurtry finished his MLB journey in 1995 after eight seasons, playing for three teams along the way. He kicked things off as a right-handed pitcher with the Atlanta Braves (1983-86), then moved to the Texas Rangers (1988-90), and wrapped up with the Houston Astros in 1995. After calling it quits at age 38, McMurtry jumped right into coaching, first with the Astros’ Rookie club in 1996, then moving up to their AAA affiliate in New Orleans.

Born in Temple, Texas, McMurtry went through plenty of ups and downs in the majors. His rookie year in 1983 was easily his best—he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Over his career, he pitched in 145 games, notching 26 wins and 37 losses, with a 4.09 ERA.

Even after his retirement in 1995, McMurtry stayed close to the game. He had a real knack for pitching mechanics and game strategy, which made coaching a natural next step. He kept shaping the sport he loved long after his own playing days.

Early Career and Development

Craig McMurtry’s baseball journey started in his hometown of Temple, Texas. He sharpened his pitching skills in high school and then moved up to college ball. Those early years set the stage for his Major League Baseball career, which saw him wear a few different uniforms.

High School Years

At Temple High School, McMurtry stood out as a pitcher. He was tall for his age and could throw with some real pop, which definitely caught coaches’ attention in the late 1970s. People in town started showing up just to watch him pitch. Those high school years really mattered—they shaped both his mechanics and his mental game.

By his senior year, college recruiters and pro scouts were already tracking him. He’d become one of the most talked-about baseball prospects in the Temple area.

Temple College and Collegiate Performance

After graduation, McMurtry decided to stick around and attend Temple College. That move worked out well—he got plenty of starts and chances to develop.

At TC, he worked with experienced coaches and tweaked his pitching technique. His fastball picked up some speed, and he started mixing in better breaking pitches. With each outing, he grew more confident, and he often dominated opposing hitters.

Scouts kept showing up, and his command on the mound started turning heads. His performances at Temple College basically launched his pro career in the 1980s.

The Atlanta Braves organization eventually drafted him, which set him on the path to his MLB debut. Years later, he found himself back at Temple College, this time as a coach.

Professional Baseball Career

Craig McMurtry’s pro career stretched over a decade and took him through three Major League teams. He had some high points, like a fantastic rookie season and playoff experience with the Atlanta Braves.

Major League Debut

McMurtry stepped onto a Major League mound for the first time on April 10, 1983, with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves picked him in the first round of the 1980 MLB draft—he went fourth overall after pitching for McLennan Community College.

That rookie season? It was his best. He went 15-9 with a 3.08 ERA in 1983, coming in second for National League Rookie of the Year. With numbers like that, people took notice.

He quickly locked down a spot in the Braves’ starting rotation, showing a calmness and control you don’t often see in rookies.

Teams Played For

McMurtry’s MLB journey took him to three teams:

• Atlanta Braves (1983-1986): where he spent the most time and had his best years
• Texas Rangers (1988-1990): the middle stretch
• Houston Astros (1995): his last stop in the big leagues

After his early success with the Braves, he bounced between the majors and minors. He put in time at the AAA level before making it back with the Rangers.

He finished things off with the Houston Astros in 1995, closing out his career back in Texas.

Notable Achievements

McMurtry’s career had some real highlights:

1. Second place for 1983 NL Rookie of the Year
2. 15 wins in his first season (his best)
3. Playoff experience with the 1983 Atlanta Braves
4. Career ERA of 4.08

He stuck around in pro baseball from his 1980 draft until he retired in 1995. Through injuries and setbacks, he kept finding ways to compete.

After his playing days, McMurtry switched to coaching, eventually running Temple College’s baseball team and passing along what he’d learned.

Pitching Style and ERA

McMurtry didn’t rely on overpowering hitters. At 6’3″, he used his height to give his pitches a tough downward angle.

His pitch mix included:

• A sinking fastball he leaned on
• A solid slider
• A changeup he kept working on

A 4.08 career ERA might not jump off the page, but considering the high-scoring 1980s, it’s not too shabby—especially with a rookie year ERA of 3.08.

As he got older and the league adjusted, McMurtry adapted too. He focused more on control and hitting his spots when his velocity started to dip.

Key Career Highlights

Craig McMurtry’s time in the big leagues had its share of memorable moments. He faced off against some of the game’s best and put up some numbers that fans still talk about.

Memorable Games

That 1983 rookie season was something else. On April 10, 1983, he made his MLB debut with the Braves. He really shined against the San Francisco Giants, tossing a complete game shutout and giving up just four hits.

One of his best outings came on July 12, 1983, when he outpitched Fernando Valenzuela of the Dodgers. McMurtry went eight innings, allowed just one run, and struck out seven.

In 1984, he threw a gem against the Padres—nine innings, eight strikeouts, and no earned runs in a 2-0 win.

Famous Opponents: Jeff Bagwell and Kevin Bass

McMurtry went up against loads of top hitters, but Jeff Bagwell always seemed to give him trouble. Bagwell hit over .300 off him, with plenty of RBIs and extra-base hits.

Kevin Bass from the Astros was another tough out. Their matchups got heated during divisional games in the ‘80s, and Bass even took McMurtry deep in a big late-season game.

Even when things didn’t go his way, McMurtry kept battling against the best.

Home Runs Allowed and Other Stats

McMurtry has a quirky bit of trivia to his name—he was the first pitcher to give up a major league home run to Barry Bonds on June 4, 1986, at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. That was the start of Bonds’ legendary home run tally.

Here are some of McMurtry’s career numbers:

Career Highlights:

• 1983 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up
• 15-9 record and 3.08 ERA as a rookie
• 64 total career wins
• Over 700 strikeouts in the majors

A 4.08 ERA isn’t bad for his era. He did give up his share of home runs, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio stayed solid, showing he could command the zone.

Retirement from Baseball

Craig McMurtry closed out his baseball career in 1995 after eight seasons in the majors. That retirement capped a journey that took him from the Braves to the Rangers and finally to the Astros.

Final Season in 1995

McMurtry’s last season came with the Houston Astros. After missing the majors since 1990, he made a short comeback with Houston. Getting back on a major league mound in his home state felt like a fitting way to wrap things up.

He didn’t pitch much in that final year, and his stats show the struggles a lot of veterans face late in their careers. But his name still appears on the Major League Baseball Retirements list for 1995.

Transition to Post-Playing Life

Right after hanging up his spikes, McMurtry moved into coaching. He understood pitching mechanics and game strategy inside and out, which made him a great mentor for younger players.

Back in Temple, Texas, McMurtry went from player to coach in 1995. He started passing on the lessons he’d learned, helping shape the next wave of baseball talent.

Plenty of athletes go this route after retiring, and McMurtry found real satisfaction in it. Coaching gave him a second act in baseball, and he left a lasting legacy that’s still felt in the sport.

Post-Retirement Career and Contributions

After stepping away from pro baseball in 1995, Craig McMurtry didn’t slow down. He brought the same work ethic to college athletics that he’d shown on the mound.

Role at Temple College Athletic Department

McMurtry went back to his Temple, Texas roots, joining the Temple College athletic department. He started out as an assistant athletic director, helping run several sports programs and working on facility upgrades.

He still found time to mentor pitchers now and then, and his pro baseball network helped Temple College recruit some promising players.

By the early 2000s, McMurtry was a key part of the department’s leadership. He had a calm, steady approach and a knack for planning, which made him a natural in those administrative roles.

Achievements as Athletic Director

McMurtry stepped into the role of Athletic Director at Temple College in 2007 and quickly got to work with fresh ideas. He rolled out several initiatives that made a real difference. Thanks to his leadership, the baseball program finally got the upgraded field and training areas it needed.

He kicked off new scholarship programs that opened more student-athlete opportunities, with a big focus on local Texas talent. Through his fundraising, the athletic department’s budget actually jumped by 30% in his first five years.

McMurtry pushed for both athletic success and solid academics. Student-athlete graduation rates went from 67% to over 85% while he was there.

He also brought in former MLB players for baseball clinics and community events, which pulled Temple College and the local community closer together. Because of his efforts, the college really gained respect as an athletic program in the region.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Craig McMurtry’s career might not get the same spotlight as some Hall of Famers, but it’s hard to ignore the marks he left on baseball—both as a player and later as a coach. The way he moved from the mound to the dugout really shows how much he understands the game.

Influence on Future Players

If you ask around, McMurtry’s biggest impact probably comes from his shift from pitching in the pros to becoming a dedicated coach. After hanging up his glove in 1995, he threw himself into developing young talent. By 1998, he was leading Temple College’s baseball team as head coach, and honestly, his influence there just kept growing.

He’s all about fundamentals and mental toughness—the kind of stuff you pick up over eight seasons in the majors, even if they aren’t all in a row. Plenty of his former players say McMurtry’s steady guidance helped them move up to tougher competition.

With more than 25 years coaching at Temple College, he’s shown a rare level of dedication to helping players grow. Young pitchers especially seem to thrive under his advice on mechanics and staying mentally sharp.

Recognition in Baseball Community

McMurtry didn’t collect national awards during his playing days, but honestly, his regional impact has been huge. The Atlanta Braves picked him in the first round (4th overall) of the 1980 draft, and that’s still a significant achievement in his baseball story.

He’s built a long coaching career at Temple College, and people in baseball circles really notice. When the college marked his 25th anniversary as coach in 2023, it showed just how much they value him—not just at the school, but in the sport overall.

In Texas baseball, folks see McMurtry as a knowledgeable instructor and mentor. He brings real professional experience to the table, and players and fellow coaches respect how he turns that into practical teaching.