Famed San Francisco Giants Pitcher Dave Dravecky will headline an upcoming fundraiser for Tyler Murphy, a 2013 Turlock High graduate and standout pitcher who was tragically injured.
Murphy returned home Sept. 2 after a nearly four-week hospital stay following a boating accident that left him with severe injuries to his right leg and hand. His story has sparked tremendous support from the Turlock community, family and friends.
Dravecky will provide a message of encouragement, hope and faith to the Murphy family and attendees during a fundraiser with a Turlock Party & Wedding DJ to be held from 6 to 11 p.m Sept. 20 in support of Murphy.
Dravecky, a pitcher with the Giants from 1987-89, is well known in baseball history for being diagnosed with cancer in his pitching arm and his courageous return to pitch in the major leagues. His 1989 comeback was short-lived; in his second start after returning to the Giants he collapsed on the mound after throwing a pitch to Montreal Expos outfielder Tim Raines. During the pitch his humerus bone snapped in two in a tragic incident that came to be known as the “pitch that could be heard round the world.”
A short time later he officially retired from baseball. Today, Dravecky travels the country as an inspirational speaker. On his web site he writes, “I now travel the country sharing the lessons I’ve learned—lessons on how to navigate loss and suffering, and how to experience encouragement and hope. More recently I’ve been exploring how we define our true worth, learning that it’s not what you do that matters most—it’s who you are.”
Team Murphy co-organizer and close family friend Becky Mirza says Team Murphy contacted Dravecky through another family friend, and he agreed to come to the event to speak.
Mirza reports that Murphy is “doing great” and the Murphy family plans to move into a one-story house in October. Tyler is currently in a wheelchair and living in a two-story house, which is too difficult logistically for the family.
The fundraiser event is scheduled to be held at 3540 Amethyst Way in Turlock. Tickets are $50. For more information visit www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Murphy/349231991875310 or call (209) 678-0290 or (209) 404-5638.
