Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Muphy is building a legacy. 

Murphy, 67, became just the second back-to-back National League Manager of the Year award winner, joining former Atlanta Braves skipper Bobby Cox (2004-05). Murphy’s candidness and ability to get the best out of his players led to his honorable reputation, and he earned more praise in The Athletic’s recent list. 

Titled “We asked over 100 people in sports which leaders they most admire. Here are the top 40,” The Athletic’s Peak staff, which covers the mental side of sports, gathered a long list of North American sports figures to get their responses. 

“In the end, our panel was intentionally diverse — though almost exclusively from North America — made up of Hall of Fame coaches from the collegiate and pro ranks and assistant coaches from all levels of college and professional sports; current and former professional players, leadership experts and executives,” it wrote. 

Murphy landed at No. 35 on the list. 

“Murphy has risen through the coaching ranks and developed his team with an ability to evaluate talent and connect personally with players," according to The Athletic.

"He has turned the Brewers into a powerhouse, earning back-to-back NL Manager of the Year awards and leading them to consecutive division titles and a franchise-record 97 wins in 2025.” 

The staff spoke to former first baseman Yonder Alonso, who developed a relationship with Murphy when the latter served as the interim manager of the San Diego Padres during the 2015 season. 

“He’s a great communicator,” Alonso said. “He has a way of reaching every person in the room.” 

Murphy's ability to connect with players, especially through his raw sense of honesty, is a trait that resonates with those around him. 

“As a player, you’re never really left wondering what he’s thinking,” Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “Because he’s going to tell you whether you like it or not.” 

“I think too many people are scared to tell the truth or scared to tell you how it is because of a response or how they're going to react to it, but you never question what's on Murph's mind or what's he's feeling,” newly hired Brewers hitting coach Daniel Vogelbach said to McCalvy after earning his new role.

“If you can take it as a person and a player, it makes you better.   

“It'll make me a better coach," Vogelbach said. "At the end of the day, he does it because he wants the best out of you as an individual, a player, a friend, whatever it may be. It's something I think that this world needs more of.” 

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