The news that free agent outfielder David Murphy is signing with the Cleveland Indians is boring. The story of how news of Murphy signing with the Indians was broken is much cooler.
It turns out that the initial word of the signing was leaked by Murphy’s daughter to her daycare teachers, ended up on Twitter, and from there was passed around until professional reporters confirmed the news.
The first tweet about the news may have come from Matt McClelland, a self-proclaimed Texas Rangers fan, on Tuesday afternoon:
David Murphy to the Indians? Pilgrims just got another thanksgiving guest.
— Matt McClelland (@MattMcClelland) November 19, 2013
McClelland may work at the daycare where Murphy’s daughter goes, because he was cited as blogger/writer Jamie Kelly’s source. Kelly is the one who kicked the rumor into high gear with this series of tweets throughout the afternoon/evening.
At first she was cautious with her reporting:
David Murphy to the Indians may be more than a rumor.
— Jamie Kelly (@JamieSportsTalk) November 19, 2013
All I can commit to is someone claiming to have heard from Murphy told me that he is signing with Cleveland. Do with that what you wish.
— Jamie Kelly (@JamieSportsTalk) November 20, 2013
As the pressure mounted, Kelly offered more information:
David Murphy informed his daughter's daycare that he is signing with the Indians. This is, again, per my source close to the situation.
— Jamie Kelly (@JamieSportsTalk) November 20, 2013
Source @MattMcClelland says that Murphy's daughter told her teachers that her dad would be an Indian, and David confirmed it today.
— Jamie Kelly (@JamieSportsTalk) November 20, 2013
Someone then looped FOX MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal in on the Twitter discussion, and he said he would check into the rumor and credit Kelly if it turned out to be accurate.
@JamieSportsTalk I’m on the case. It’s difficult to compete with day-care gossip! If it’s true, I will credit you. I always do that.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 20, 2013
A little later in the evening, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported that Murphy was signing a two-year deal with the Indians:
Source: #Rangers David Murphy finalizing 2-year deal with #Indians. Expected to be worth more than $10 million total: http://t.co/DoSF0tqf3g
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) November 20, 2013
Shortly thereafter, Rosenthal confirmed news of the signing, giving credit to Kelly and the daycare tip:
Source: David Murphy to #Indians. First reported by @JamieSportsTalk. Initial tip came from Murphy’s comments at his daughter’s day care!
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 20, 2013
Rosenthal also added in this detail about Cleveland’s plans for Murphy, if that matters to you:
Source: Murphy will take his physical for #Indians on Thursday. Expected to get 400-500 at-bats in OF corners. Team values his defense.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 20, 2013
And you thought all news of transactions was leaked by player agents/associates or team employees huh? Sometimes just a tip from a kid at daycare is all it takes.
