LOS ANGELES — Arizona State will have a former baseball head coach vying for a World Series title, as Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy and his team have punched their ticket to the World Series.
Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers dugout reacts after third baseman David Hamilton (6) hits a home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Murphy, who coached at ASU from 1995 to 2009, led his team to an MLB-best 103-win record, securing the top seed in the National League. After defeating the San Diego Padres 3-1 in the NL Division Series, the Brewers faced their next challenge: the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.
The series was over almost as soon as it began, with Milwaukee sweeping Los Angeles in four games to win the NL pennant. The Brewers overcame deficits in all four games, completing the sweep with a 6-4 comeback victory in Game 4.
Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy celebrates on the podium after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Now, Milwaukee is headed to the World Series for the first time since 1982, with a chance to win the first championship in franchise history.
Before becoming a major league manager, Murphy built a successful program in Tempe. During his 15 seasons at ASU, he compiled a 629-284-1 record, led the Sun Devils to four Pac-10 championships and guided the program to four College World Series appearances. His teams also reached the national championship game in 1998, establishing Murphy as one of the most successful coaches in program history.
March 13, 2004; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Pat Murphy against the Tulane Green Wave at Packard Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US Presswire
Murphy’s final three seasons at ASU were among his best, as the Sun Devils won three consecutive Pac-10 titles from 2007 to 2009. In his final season, ASU finished 51-14 and placed third in the College World Series. Murphy was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year four times during his tenure.
Now, more than a decade after leaving Tempe, Murphy has the opportunity to add another milestone to his coaching career. With the Brewers one series away from their first World Series championship, the former Sun Devil coach will look to lead Milwaukee through one final challenge.
Murph is heading to the World Series😈 https://t.co/QzrgI6oJP0
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) October 16, 2026
“[The Dodgers] may have a bunch of Hall of Famers, but we have a bunch of gamers,” Murphy said as the club received its NL pennant trophy. “And the gamers won this week.”
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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