Alabama Softball's Patrick Murphy Named to Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022

The legendary Alabama softball coach will become the first person inducted in the group for the sport of softball.

NCAA

Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy was announced as class of 2022 member for the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He will become the first person ever inducted for the sport of softball. 

“I am so honored to be included in such a prestigious Hall of Fame,” Murphy said in a press release. “The names, past and present, are among the giants in all sports. This is a testament to anyone who has had a hand in Alabama softball over the past 25 years."

Murphy has been affiliated with the Alabama softball program since its existence 26 years ago and is entering his 24th season as the head coach. He has led the Crimson Tide to 22 NCAA tournament appearances, 13 trips to the Women's College World Series and the national championship in 2012, which was the first ever for the SEC. Alabama has also won six regular season and five tournament SEC titles under Murphy.

Even though he has a .782 winning percentage at Alabama on the field, Murphy is always just as proud of developing his players off the field. There have been 60 NFCA All-Americans and 33 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans under Murphy at Alabama. 

"No coach can accomplish great things without the help of a world-class support staff and of course, incredible student-athletes," Murphy said.

There are eight total members of the 2022 class including one other with Crimson Tide ties. Former Alabama basketball and NBA player and coach Keith Askins is also on the list along with NFL quarterback legend Philip Rivers, Doyle Alexander, William Andrews, Rusty Greer, Jake Peavy, and Justin Tuck.

Murphy, along with the fellow members of the class of 2022, will be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on May 7, 2022.

The 2022 Alabama softball season begins on Feb. 12 in Arizona at the Mike Candrea Invitational. 

Patrick Murphy

• 26th Season with Alabama Softball, 24th as Head Coach
• 1,149-320 (.782) overall record at Alabama, 437-158 (.734) in SEC play
• 13 Women’s College World Series appearances, including a national championship in 2012
• 22 NCAA Tournament appearances
• Six SEC regular season championships, five SEC Tournament championships as head coach
• Five-time SEC Coach of the Year
• 11-time NFCA South Region Coaching Staff of the Year
• National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2013)
• 60 NFCA All-Americans
• 33 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans

Keith Askins 

ALABAMA CAREER (1987-90)

• Was a four-year letterwinner with the Crimson Tide
• Helped lead Alabama to three SEC Tournament titles and two Sweet 16 appearances
• Led the team in three-point field goals made (51) and attempted (140) during the 1989-90 season
• Still ranks in Alabama’s top-10 all-time for career three-point field goal percentage (7th) and games played (10th)

NBA (1990-99)

• Played all nine seasons of his NBA career with Miami, signing with the Heat in 1990 as an undrafted free agent
• Competed as a reserve and defensive specialist
• Won the Heat’s leadership award in back-to-back season (1994-95, 1995-96) and served as team captain for four consecutive seasons (1995-99)
• Retired in 1999 with 1,852 points and 1,428 rebounds
• Still ranks on Miami’s all-time leaders list in games played (5th), offensive rebounds (13th), three-point field goals made (15th) and attempted (15th), total rebounds (15th), steals (17th), blocked shots (17th), defensive rebounds (19th) and minutes played (19th)
• After his retirement, he signed on to become an assistant coach and scout with the NBA team
• While on staff, the Heat has won three NBA Championships (2006, 2012 and 2013)
• Currently serves as the director of College and Pro Scouting for the Heat