Tyler Murphy has had a love affair with baseball since he was old enough to grip a bat and toss a ball. Murphy began his journey with America’s game at the age of three when his parents signed him up for tee ball. Fifteen years later, Murphy’s journey continues with Tuesday’s signing of his letter of intent to play for St. Mary’s College.

“Playing baseball, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” Murphy said. “It’s been a dream since I was little.”

Murphy spent his high school years at Turlock High where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a Central California  Conference Championship as a junior. The right-handed pitcher was named first team All-CCC as a senior and finished the year with 83 strikes and a 1.16 ERA through 66 1/3 innings. Murphy’s on field production combined with good showings at a couple of senior showcases drew the attention of St. Mary’s in addition to Long Beach State, UC Davis, and CSU Stanislaus.

But Murphy’s familiarity with both the campus and baseball program of St. Mary’s was all it took for the Turlocker to make his decision.

“St. Mary’s was always a school that we watched and followed,” Murphy said. “I also went to basketball camp there and I really liked the campus.”

“They just built a brand new field so we’ll be the second team to play an entire season there,” Murphy added.

Murphy has the opportunity to get immediate playing time and contribute to the Gaels rather than redshirting his freshman year, furthering the excitement of his friends and family. Even if he doesn’t get the chance to play from the onset, the ability to form bonds and compete with players of a higher caliber is what Murphy is looking forward to most.

“They've all known I’ve worked for this my whole life so they're all happy and excited,” Murphy said of his family. “In high school you play against people your same age but in college you play with older and more developed players. I’m looking forward to it.”