A left-handed center fielder, Murphy was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1980 and played six years in their farm system. In 1980, he played for the Gulf Coast League Rangers and made the all-star team. In 1981, he was a centerfielder for the Asheville Tourists in the South Atlantic League. He won the Triple Crown and was named league MVP. Murphy was also selected to the all-star team. He was with the Tulsa Drillers from 1982-84. He was selected to the Texas League all-star team in 1983. That season, he played in the Mexican Winter League and made the all-star team. Murphy advanced to the Triple A level with the Oklahoma City 89ers in 1983 and 1984. Former Cardinal Bake McBride was one of his teammates. In 1985, Murphy played Triple A ball with the Edmonton Trappers in the California Angels farm system. He wrapped up his minor league career with the Midland Angels in the Texas League.

In the 1970s, Murphy was a center fielder for St. Mary’s High School and Meramec Community College. At Meramec, he played in the JUCO World Series in 1977 and 1978. Meramec made the Final Four both years. He was named to the All-Region team in 1978. In 1979 and 1980, he starred for the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He was the leading hitter in 1980 with a batting average of .394. His team made the regional playoffs that year and he was named an All-American. He had the second-best hitting record in the history of UNLV and is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame.

Murphy played center field for Ron Edgar’s Gateway team from 1977 to 1979. Amateur baseball teams that Murphy managed and coached include: the Johnny Mac Thunder, Meramec Valley Falcons and the St. Louis Redwings. He also coached the Crestwood American Legion team, and teams in the Affton Athletic Association.