Wesley College senior second baseman Kevin Murphy, this week’s INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete, has rewritten the Wesley College record book during his career. He is the Wolverines all-time leader in hits, runs batted in and holds single season records for hits, runs, runs batted in and total bases.  An all-region selection last season, his 41-game hitting streak not only set a CAC record, but also tied for the fifth longest in Division III history and the 15th longest in the history of NCAA baseball.

What is your background in the sport you play?  I began playing baseball when I was 5 years old. Growing up, I played for the Braddock Heights and Middletown baseball organizations.  I played my high school ball at Middletown High School while playing travel ball for Frederick Legion and the Frederick Hustlers in the Baltimore Metro League. During college summers, I played in the Blue Ridge League and the Maryland Collegiate League.   

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the Wolverine Stop.  This is where most of the baseball players spend their time in between classes.  In between classes, I am able to accomplish a great deal of work. This is also where most of us decide to eat breakfast and lunch.  

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  Other than my team, I participate in FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  This is not only related to religious matters; it can be used to enhance leadership skills.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  Having the ability to play a collegiate sport is very memorable to me, but I have three memories that’ll stick out in my mind when I graduate. The first memory is seeing my hard work pay off with a hitting streak of 41 games.  Second, was last year when we were down two runs to Mary Washington, I hit a walk off grand slam.  My third memory was my sophomore year when we beat #1 Salisbury.     

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important issue that college students are faced with is time management.  Once they leave high school, being able to manage your social life and studying can be a challenge.  Especially for student athletes, the ability to manage practice and games along with the social life and studying can be extremely difficult.  

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it? One issue I would like to change in society is the amount of crime taking place today.  It has escalated to the point that it is hard to trust neighbors and friends.  My only suggestion for fixing this issue is to create harsher consequences for these individuals that cause crime; people are committing serious crimes and getting away with a “slap on the hand.”    

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major is Sport Management.  One important thing I’ve learned in this discipline is the amount of time and effort dedicated by individuals to successfully run organizations and programs.  Patience will lead to success because an organization doesn’t just happen with a “snap of a finger.”

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  The most influential person who came into my life 4 years ago is my Wesley College baseball coach, Tripp Keister.  Other than my parents, I don’t think I’ve had an individual teach me proper ethics, not just in baseball but in life.  He has taught me almost everything I need to know when it comes to the game of baseball.  Most importantly, he has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to play college baseball.  I don’t think in my four years at Wesley that he has had any doubt in me on or off the field.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  One piece of advice I would provide to elementary school kids is to set goals.  Whether they are long term or short term goals, setting goals can help an individual achieve anything.  It gives these children the drive to hopefully become something great.

What is your favorite form of entertainment? My favorite form of entertainment would be relaxing and watching movies.  When I have the time, I also enjoy playing video games.  

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite athletes are Cal Ripken Jr. and Dustin Pedroia.  Growing up I loved watching Cal play.  He always seemed to play the game the right way.  His dedication towards the game of baseball was the best I’ve ever seen, playing in 2,632 consecutive games.  Over the past several years, I’ve became a huge fan of Pedroia.  With stories of people telling him he’s too small to play in the majors and wouldn’t be able to keep up with the big boys; his success was due to his drive to become great, not mediocre.   

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?  John Wooden- In my mind he is the greatest coach in any sport.  Being able to win 7 national championships in a row is unbelievable.  His quotes toward life never get old and they are always right.  Frank Murphy- I wouldn’t have made it this far in life if it wasn’t for my father.  He has taught me everything I need to know at this point in life and I’m sure once I graduate he’ll be right by my side.  Rob Benedict- I couldn’t enjoy a dinner without my other half of the middle infield.