Murphy trades ocean for Midwest

June 29, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

Indians draft pick grew up in San Diego as a certified beach lifeguard

NILES

Taylor Murphy is asked to describe the difference in lifestyles between the West Coast and the Midwest, and his pause seems to last as long as a California sunset.

It’s not that Murphy is at a loss for words.

Rather, the hesitation suggests more of a “Where do I begin” mentality.

Example: While it is a custom for area youngsters to cap a night of baseball with a trip to the Dairy Queen, Murphy often treated his Little League teammates to a San Diego Padres game.

(It didn’t hurt that Murphy’s cousin is Geoff Blum, whose 14-year Major League career included a stint with the Padres.)

Then there are the early-morning physical education classes which can be a downer when it involves calisthenics inside a cold gymnasium on a dark winter day.

Murphy’s high school days began with Surfing P.E.

“Every morning we were on the beach with our surfboards at 7:30, that’s how my school day started,” Murphy said matter-of-factly.

Murphy is a certified ocean lifeguard who has roamed the beach on foot, via all-terrain vehicles and even by air — he has been known to jump out of helicopters as part of his lifeguard duties.

However, Murphy currently calls Niles his home and the only traveling he is doing is by way of cramped buses destined for places like Batavia, Jamestown and Auburn.

A San Diego native, Murphy was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 18th round of the June draft.

The outfielder had just completed his junior year at the University of Pacific, where he hit .315 this spring with five home runs, 34 RBI and 35 runs.

In 2011, Murphy was drafted by his hometown Padres in the 40th round as he was finishing up his high school career.

He opted to pass on the offer in an effort to gain more experience in college while furthering his education.

“It was the thrill of a lifetime to get drafted by the Padres, but at the same time I knew I still had a lot to learn both on and off the field,” Murphy said.

“I struggled the first two years at Pacific. But things came around this past year, and I think everything worked out for the best.”

When the Indians called his name on June 7, Murphy didn’t hesitate. In the span of just a few days, he had moved his belongings from his college home in Stockton back to San Diego, to Arizona and the Indians’ Rookie League, then to the Mahoning Valley.

Murphy made his professional debut last Sunday, going 2-for-5 with a walk and a pair of RBIs in the Scrappers’ 15-5 win over Auburn.

“I guess for some, leaving the ocean for Ohio could be a culture shock, but not really for me,” Murphy said. “I’ve been to different parts of the country playing baseball in the past. Baseball is my first love, so put me on a field and I’m happy no matter where I’m at.”

“The biggest adjustment for me was not playing for a few weeks. I’m used to playing the game every day, so I don’t think the constant grind of minor league baseball will take its toll.”

Though a self-proclaimed Padres fan while growing up, Murphy said that he “did his homework” on the Indians’ organization leading up to the draft and was “beyond thrilled” to land with the Tribe.

“Their scout [Don Lyle] was very up-front and honest with me through the entire process,” Murphy said. “I love the way Cleveland takes an individual approach in getting every player to reach their potential.”

“If I have what it takes to make it to the big leagues, I know that the Indians organization can bring it out of me.”

Murphy also knows that cousin Geoff is just a text or phone call away should he need any big league advice.

“It’s super valuable knowing that I can reach out to him at any time and he’s there,” Murphy said.

“What stands out to me about Geoff is that he was the ultimate clubhouse guy who was always known for his character and work ethic.”

“Being that close to Geoff and the game growing up, that also taught me that the big leagues are accessible. It’s not an impossibility.”