Originally a sportswriter for
The Cincinnati Enquirer and the
Cincinnati Times-Star, Murphy joined the
New York Giants front office in 1905. After the 1905 season, Murphy purchased the Cubs from
Jim Hart, in a bid financed by a loan from
Charles Phelps Taft, owner of the
Enquirer. Murphy repaid the loan in full with the profits from the 1906 season. It was under Murphy's ownership that the Cubs won the franchise's only two
World Series titles before
2016, in
1907 and
1908. After several years as Cubs owner, Murphy became a disliked figure amongst other owners in the National League, the press, and his players. He sold the Cubs to
Charles Phelps Taft after the 1913 season. Murphy also held a 50 percent stake in the
Baker Bowl, the former home field of the
Philadelphia Phillies, which was sold to him by former Phillies owner
Horace Fogel in 1912. After leaving baseball, Murphy returned to
Wilmington, Ohio and financed the construction of the
Murphy Theatre. Murphy died in Chicago, Illinois, at age 63. ==References==