I always knew I loved Matt Murton, I just never understand that most Cubs fans enjoyed him as much. Sure he hit just below .300 for the Cubs in over 3 years of play. Sure he was the best thing to come out of the Nomar trade. Sure he has one of the best Cub blogs in his namesake. Sure he has a million nicknames: "Thunder Matt", "Ginger Murton", "Big Red" to name a few.
But I think it was red hair that captivated the North Side Fans the most.
Briefly over-viewing Cubs blogs today, little can be said about how great a pitcher Harden is if he can stay healthy. Even less about how Gallagher is actually a great young pitcher and will probably become one of baseball's best in the next 3-4 years. And nothing about how Eric Patterson will boost the A's power ten-fold. Wait, that last one isn't going to happen. But nothing except praise, sadness and gratitude can be said for Murton.
Obviously, Thunder Matt's Saloon was crushed. Their tribute was touching, especially the "Big Lebowski" version by Daft Funk:
Thunder Matt was a good baseball player and a good man. He was one of us. He was a man who loved the outfield...and bowling, and as an outfielder he explored the right fields of the National League, from Wrigley to Coors Field and...up to...Pittsburgh. He was traded, like so many young men of his generation, he was traded before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him, as you took so many bright flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364. These young men gave their lives. And so would Thunder Matt. Thunder, who loved baseball. And so, Matthew Henry "Thunder" Murton, in accordance with what we think your dying wishes might well have been, we commit your final mortal remains to the bosom of Oakland, which you loved so well.
Good night, sweet prince.
John over at Wasting Away Wrigleyville chronicled his reaction as a fellow pasty Irish guy, including that of his girlfriend's heartbreak.
Five Outs to Go wishes Murton and his magical unicorn good luck in Oakland.
And the blogs go on. If blogs are any indication of fan-dome, I'm sure when Big Red travels back to the friendly confines he will get a deserved standing ovation.
Go Cubs!
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