By: Jackson Wright
In a league made for growth and opportunity, few players have made a bigger impact this summer than Joplin Outlaws outfielder Murchael Turner.
Turner isn’t just having a great season; he is putting together a campaign that’s turning heads across the Mid-America League, solidifying his reputation as one of its most complete players.
“Everything Murchael has done this season has been expected, and it’s been a true blessing to watch him so far,” said Outlaws manager Dean Green. “He is kind of a special player, and everyone can see that. He can run, he plays good defense, and hits for power.”
As of July 10th, Turner has appeared in 31 games, the second most in the league, and leads the Mid-America League in both hits (40) and total bases (60). He’s scored 29 runs, driven in 22 RBIs, and holds the 3rd-best batting average at .357. He is also a constant threat on the bases, with 21 stolen bags, good for second overall.
However, for Turner, it isn’t just about the numbers.
“I pray over every decision I make and I let God lead everything,” Turner said of his journey to Joplin. “Brian (Flynn), the team’s president of baseball operations, contacted me and asked if I wanted to come play this summer. He mentioned the manager would be Dean Green, who got drafted from Barry University, where I was.”
Turner trusted his faith and instincts, joining a team with a winning tradition and leadership he respected.
“Both Brian and Dean have good resumes,” he said. “Brian won a World Series Championship, and Dean can swing it. I wanted a good hitting coach to be around this summer.”
That decision has paid off. Turner’s versatility has been critical for the Outlaws. He has played center field, right field, served as the designated hitter, and hit up and down the lineup card, always with the same consistency and focus.
“I wouldn’t say it is easy, but it makes my job fun,” said Green. “He does a really good job being open to wherever I want to put him. That’s a true sign of a ballplayer, no matter where you put him, they’re going to go out there and do their job.”
This attitude has helped Turner elevate not just his own game but the team around him.
“I say I am a leader, but I think the team is led by God,” Turner said. “I want to credit God mostly. I have always been able to do it all, but growing up I was definitely more of a defensive guy.
This summer, Turner has focused on his growth at the plate.
“The biggest thing I have been working on is finding and waiting for my pitch in the zone,” Turner explained. “I don’t have to swing at everything. I am trying to be more patient.”
The results speak for themselves, and Manager Green believes Murchael is ahead of the game.
“He is playing the game within the game, the way it is supposed to be done,” he said. “It is a testament to him, his work ethic, and how he has been brought up.”
But Turner’s impact stretches far beyond the box scores. Green notes that this kind of positivity is contagious and has spread to the entire team.
“The positivity Murchael brings out here is contagious,” he added. “You very rarely hear him say a negative thing about himself, the team, or the game. He tries to be upbeat, uplifting, and truthfully just everything you want in a baseball player.”
That energy isn’t just reserved for game time. Green says Turner brings the same personality with him off the field.
“Off the field, he is the same guy that he is on the field,” Green notes. “He is very humble. He likes to have a good time in the locker room, joking around with the guys, and dancing around.”
In a summer league setting where team chemistry can be difficult to find, Turner has helped bring the Outlaws together. His character, production, and leadership are making his goals more attainable by the day.
“We hope to see him someday go to that next level and carry on the Outlaw tradition,” Green concluded.
Whether it’s making diving catches in the outfield, stealing a base, or driving in runs, Murchael Turner is playing the game the right way and enjoying every moment of this journey.
Catch Murchael Turner and the rest of the Joplin Outlaws in action at Joe Becker Stadium this summer. Follow the Outlaws on social media for all the latest updates.
