In 1894, there was a book written about him that was entitled Yale Murphy, the Great Short-Stop, or, The Little Midget of the Giants.

That season, he was a backup shortstop and outfielder, playing in a career-high 75 games, batting .272, and stealing 28 bases.

While playing for the Giants, Murphy began studying medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in Manhattan.

[7] That summer, he signed to play shortstop and captain the New Haven Blues of the Connecticut League.

[8] In the summer of 1904, Murphy was hired as football and baseball coach at the United States Naval Academy.

[9] He served as trainer for the football team, which was led by head coach Paul Dashiell.

[10] In late 1905, Murphy had fallen ill with tuberculosis, and went to Saranac Lake, New York for treatment.