Champion Pat Murphy: Former ASU Manager Leads Milwaukee to First World Series Title and Makes Sun Devil History

Milwaukee claims its first title

The Brewers beat the Rays 4-1 in Game 5 of the 2026 World Series, the story reports, securing the first championship in the franchise’s history. Murphy, 67, earned his first title at either the college or professional level.

A distinction among ASU alumni

Murphy joins Bobby Winkles as a former ASU manager with a World Series title. Winkles won in 1974 with the Oakland Athletics, serving as the team’s third-base coach rather than its manager.

Murphy reflects on ASU departure

Murphy resigned in 2009 amid investigations into the program. The story cites reports that he was pushed out by the school and says he later described the situation as a “gross injustice,” while accepting responsibility for his own conduct.

In comments to Cronkite Sports, Murphy said he had been trying to find himself while raising his son alone. He acknowledged behaving poorly toward investigators and the NCAA, while arguing that the violations did not provide a competitive advantage.

Future visits and conflicting account

Murphy is expected to return to Arizona in February for MLB Spring Training, barring a lockout. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, where ASU plays, is described as about 20 minutes from his return destination.

ASU Baseball is scheduled to open its 2027 season in February and will seek its own World Series moment in Omaha. However, a separate appended line says a 12th-inning Rays rally canceled the Brewers’ championship celebration, which conflicts with the report that Milwaukee won Game 5 and the title.