Prep Baseball Report

Top 10 Profiles of 2022: No. 1 Owen Murphy


By: Peter Hamot
Area Scout, Staff Writer

Finishing off our countdown in the No. 1 position is none other than back-to-back PBR Illinois Player of the Year, Owen Murphy. Murphy’s high school career is one for the record books, and he will go down as one of the most dominant players in the state over the last decade - and likely beyond. As impressive as he was year in and year out, his 2022 spring season was ultimately his best; earning PBR Illinois Player of the Year, PBR First-Team All-State, and PBR Player of the Week twice - while being in contention every single week. His numbers were mind-boggling, as he hit his way to a .564 batting average with 18 home runs, three triples, 14 doubles, 75 RBIs, 56 runs scored, a slugging percentage of 1.350 and on-base percentage of .677 - all while only striking out six times the entire season. His pitching numbers were equally, if not more impressive; going a spotless 8-0 on the year with 51.1 innings, 122 strikeouts to only four walks, a .14 ERA and only allowing nine hits and one earned run the entire season - including two no-hitters and two Perfect Games, with one coming against eventual 2A State Champions Joliet Catholic. 

Murphy would go on to be selected 20th overall in the 2022 draft by the Atlanta Braves and sign shortly after. Some evaluators had Murphy slotted around the fifth round as a position player, but his stock on the mound was far and away the highest. Standing 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, Murphy is uber-athletic and moves down the mound with exceptional control and repeatability. His fastball sits in the low-mid 90s with a low release height and rising effect through the zone, making him particularly hard to hit at the top of the zone. His control over his entire arsenal is one of the most impressive qualities of the right-hander. He can command his fastball to all quadrants of the zone, and flip in any of his breaking balls whenever he wants to change the pace.

Murphy will be exceptionally fun to watch as he looks to climb the Braves system in the coming years. 

No. 1 Owen Murphy

Owen Murphy

Class of 2022 / 3B

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2022
  • Primary Position: 3B
    Secondary Position: RHP
  • High School: Riverside-Brookfield
    State: IL
  • Summer Team: Rake City
  • Height: 6-1
    Weight: 195lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Scouting Report

4/11/22

Notre Dame commit, currently ranked No. 2 in Illinois and No. 32 in the country. Lean frame, round shoulders with an athletic build, 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. Started on the mound for Riverside-Brookfield and went six innings with 14 strikeouts, no walks, two hits allowed and didn’t allow a single run. The right-hander’s arm plays short and clean throughout his arm circle, moving into a consistent ¾ slot with above-average arm-speed, repeating with ease. Murphy utilizes a controlled pace throughout his entire delivery; coiling into a flexible leg-kick before moving athletically down the mound from a slightly bent back-knee at balance point, remaining in-line to the plate with his stride and landing with a slightly closed front foot. The Notre Dame commit was in control the entire time he was on the mound, controlling the glove side of the plate to righties with his fastball throughout his outing; cruising at 91-93 mph while reaching back for 94 mph multiple times, also showcasing exceptional control over the zone - playing with noticeable life out of the hand and running action to the arm-side. Murphy hardly needed a second pitch, going to the breaking ball only a few times throughout his start but flashing it when necessary; playing at 77-80 mph with tight spin, acting slurvy at times off a sharp 11/5 plane with depth. He flashed a slider/cutter in warmups at 84 mph, entering the zone from a short 10/4 plane and playing with late action. Murphy also showcased his knack for handling the bat; hitting out of the two-hole and finishing the day 2-for-4 with two home runs, four RBIs, a walk and a stolen base. His approach at the plate is highly mature for his age, controls the zone, sees the ball deep and is selectively aggressive. Minimal wasted movement, moving with a fluid load into a repeatable/short stride; coils slightly before footplant and flashes quick, strong hands and a direct swing that stays flat through the zone. Murphy is one of the premier two-way athletes in the entire state, and has a legitimate chance to see time on both the mound and at the plate at the next level, the only question is what the next level will be.


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(5/28/22)

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