Pat Murphy becomes first to win three straight Manager of the Year awards

Even as he recuperates from hip replacement surgery, Pat Murphy, manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, has achieved a milestone in Major League Baseball history. Murphy has been named the National League Manager of the Year, marking the third consecutive year he has received the honor—a feat unprecedented in either league. MLB.com reports that this accomplishment underscores a remarkable run for the Brewers, who have dominated the NL Central under his leadership.

What Happened: A Historic Three-Peat

The announcement, made Tuesday night, recognizes Murphy’s exceptional leadership throughout the 2024 season. The Brewers, under Murphy’s guidance, secured a franchise-record 103 wins during the regular season, firmly establishing their dominance in the NL Central. Their playoff journey was equally impressive, culminating in a sweep of the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series and a five-game victory over Tampa Bay in the World Series. This marks Milwaukee’s first World Series title since 1982. Murphy, who will turn 68 on November 28th, conducted interviews for MLB Network from a hospital bed while recovering from hip replacement surgery, a testament to his dedication to the team.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) conducted the balloting, with Murphy receiving 20 of the 30 available first-place votes and a total of 124 points. Don Mattingly (Philadelphia) and Walt Weiss (Atlanta) were also finalists for the award. In the American League, Will Venable, manager of the Chicago White Sox, was named Manager of the Year, recognizing the team’s astonishing turnaround. Fox 11 Green Bay Sports details the significant progress the White Sox have made under Venable's leadership.

The White Sox Turnaround: From Record Losses to Playoff Contenders

The Chicago White Sox’s journey to the playoffs is a story of remarkable resilience. Just two seasons ago, the team suffered a record-breaking 121 losses, the most since 1900. The following season saw 101 losses before Venable took over in 2025. Under his direction, the team went 60-102 in his debut season, laying the groundwork for this year’s remarkable turnaround. The White Sox became the first MLB team to reach the playoffs after consecutive seasons with over 100 losses. After sweeping Houston in two games during the AL Wild Card Series, they ultimately lost a five-game AL Division Series to Cleveland.

Venable, a former big league outfielder, first entered management with the White Sox and received 15 of the 30 first-place votes and 111 points in BBWAA balloting. Prior to joining the White Sox, Venable served on Bruce Bochy’s staff with the Texas Rangers, contributing to their sole World Series championship in 2023. TMJ4 News notes that Venable is the first White Sox manager to receive the award since Ozzie Guillen in 2005.

A Rare Achievement in Baseball History

Murphy’s three-peat achievement places him among a select group of managers. Only three other managers have won the award three or more times with the same organization: Bobby Cox (Atlanta Braves, 1991, 2004, 2005), Tony La Russa (San Francisco Giants, 1993, 1997, 2000), and Terry Francona (Cleveland, 2013, 2016, 2022). Cox is also the only other manager to win the NL Manager of the Year award back-to-back. These accomplishments highlight the rarity and significance of Murphy’s sustained success.

Impact on Green Bay and Wisconsin

The Brewers’ success resonates deeply within Green Bay and throughout Wisconsin. The team’s remarkable performance this season, culminating in a World Series victory, has brought immense pride and joy to fans across the state. The Brewers play in Major League Baseball’s smallest market, and operate with a payroll in the bottom half of the majors. This makes their consistent success even more remarkable, demonstrating the power of strong leadership and a committed team. The victory provides a much-needed sense of unity and celebration for communities across Wisconsin, particularly following recent economic challenges.

Families across Green Bay and beyond have been inspired by the Brewers’ perseverance and teamwork, offering a positive example of dedication and achievement. The team’s success serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of baseball and the power of sport to unite communities. The commitment shown by Murphy and his players, despite facing adversity, exemplifies values cherished in our region: hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to a common goal. These are the qualities that build strong families and thriving communities.

Katherine's Take: A Testament to Commitment

Pat Murphy’s achievement isn’t merely a baseball story; it's a reflection of the rewards that come from unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership. His ability to lead the Brewers to consistent success, even while navigating personal challenges like his recent surgery, speaks volumes about his character and dedication. It's a potent reminder that success isn't always about talent alone; it’s about perseverance, resilience, and the ability to inspire those around you. The Brewers’ journey, from a smaller market team with a modest payroll to World Series champions, is a testament to the American dream – the belief that hard work and dedication can overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary results. It's a story that should resonate deeply with families and communities across our region, encouraging them to embrace commitment and strive for excellence in all their endeavors. The fact that Murphy led his team to victory while facing a significant personal challenge underscores the importance of strong character and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

Resources for Baseball Fans

For those interested in following the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball, several resources are available. The Brewers’ official website, mlb.com/brewers, provides news, scores, and schedules. Major League Baseball’s official website, mlb.com, offers comprehensive coverage of all MLB teams and events. Local news outlets such as Green Bay Press Gazette and TMJ4 provide ongoing coverage of the Brewers and the broader baseball landscape.

What’s Next for the Brewers?

With the World Series victory secured, the focus now shifts to the offseason and preparations for the 2025 season. The Brewers will undoubtedly face challenges in maintaining their level of success, as other teams seek to capitalize on their recent achievements. However, with Pat Murphy at the helm and a strong foundation in place, the team is well-positioned to remain competitive in the years to come. The organization will need to carefully manage its payroll and roster construction to ensure continued success while operating within the constraints of a smaller market. The commitment to family values and faith, so evident in the team’s performance, will remain a cornerstone of their approach.

Closing paragraph: The Milwaukee Brewers’ remarkable season and Pat Murphy’s historic achievement serve as a source of inspiration for communities across Wisconsin and beyond. As the team looks ahead to the next chapter, the values of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly guide their path. It’s a story that reminds us all of the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire, and celebrate the American dream.