Penn Murfee
William Penn Murfee
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 195 lb.
- School Vanderbilt University, Santa Clara University
- High School Montgomery Bell Academy
- Debut April 29, 2022
- Born May 2, 1994 in Nashville, TN USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Penn Murfee's collegiate career was one that was a bit more unconventional than most. The Vanderbilt University commit was redshirted before playing a game with the team and did not make his debut until he was almost 21. Then, following two so-so years as a position player, Murfee transitioned to the mound. After playing sparingly as a Junior, Murfee transferred to Santa Clara University, where he posted a 3.65 ERA in 24 appearances as a senior. That solid performance earned Penn a selection in the 33rd round of the 2018 Amateur Draft by the Seattle Mariners.
After spending his first pro season with the Everett Aquasox in Short-Season A ball, Murfee jumped to AAA to start the 2019 season. (the same jump several other players in the Mariners system had made in the last two years, notably including top prospect Evan White in 2018) However, Penn looked overmatched at that level, and was sent down to the A-Advanced Modesto Nuts, where he would spend most of the remainder of the season. (excluding a single appearance in AA) In 26 games (20 starts) for Modesto, Murfee would rack up 122 strikeouts in 102.2 innings of work while recording a 3.07 ERA. Murfee's polish - impressive for a pitcher with such little past experience on the mound - helped him excel after a selection to the Arizona Fall League's Peoria Javelinas, where his 1.23 ERA and 12.3 K/9 were the top marks among the team's four most-used starters. (the other three being well-regarded prospects Forrest Whitley, Tanner Houck, and Cody Ponce) As it turned out, Murfee's promise also caught the eyes of US Olympic officials, who selected him to the country's roster for the 2019 WBSC Premier12 Tournament.
He made his major league debut with the Mariners on April 29, 2022, pitching two scoreless and hitless innings in relief in an 8-6 loss to the Miami Marlins.
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