Canberra Cavalry hit the jackpot as they prepare to defend their Australian Baseball League title

New Canberra Cavalry manager Jack Murphy. Photo: Canberra Cavalry Facebook.

With championship-winning manager Jim Bennett heading back to Brisbane to coach the Bandits, the Canberra Cavalry turned to one of their star alumni to take on the vacated role.

Jack Murphy played 163 games for the Cavalry between 2012 and 2016. In the 2013 season, he led Canberra to victory in the ABL and then the Asia Series in Taiwan.

He later played two seasons with Sydney.

In more recent times, Murphy has been working for the LA Dodgers, a Major League team, as a scout.

He returns to Canberra almost a decade after his final appearance for the Cavalry in what will be his first managerial position in professional baseball.

Murphy heads into the role with enormous credibility as a star player in Canberra, during which he cemented his credentials as one of the ABL’s all-time greatest catchers. His 20 home runs added to the lustre.

Canberra fans will no doubt be hoping his ability as a player translates to managerial success.

Jack has big shoes to fill after Bennett led the Cavalry to the Claxton Shield in his one and only season with the Canberra team.

Former Canberra Cavalry manager Jim Bennett. Photo: Supplied.

He says he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m extremely grateful to be part of the organisation once again. I look forward to continuing the winning culture in Canberra and bringing more success to the Club,” says Jack.

Bennett’s departure, while it might have come as a surprise, resulted in the Cavalry looking left field to an untested rookie manager.

But according to Cavalry co-owner Paul Kelly, Murphy’s enthusiasm to take on the role made it an easy decision.

“Jack had a great career when in Canberra, and everyone loved him,” says Paul, “so the combination of his history, great personality, baseball knowledge and connections will be a great asset as we enter next season as defending champions.”

At 36 years of age, Murphy’s relatability to the younger players will no doubt be a major asset, along with his links to major league baseball.

Just as important, though, is his obvious connection to the Canberra baseball community, which includes a strong supporter base, a connection fostered through four wonderful seasons as a player.