It's fair to say that Pat Murphy would never have been described as "conventional" during his successful but poorly ended run as Arizona State's head baseball coach.
And nothing's changed now that he's managing the Triple-A team for the San Diego Padres.
Murphy has a reputation as a prankster, and that's played well in connection with one of his players for the El Paso Chihuahuas -- catcher/outfielder Corey Decker, a former UCLA Bruin. Decker played for Murphy last season for the Tucson Padres, and again this season now that the franchise has moved to El Paso.
Decker is a multi-talented videographer, writer and even has some acting chops, and with his manager serving as a co-conspirator, the Chihuahuas pulled off a month-long prank of outfielder Jeff "Frenchy" Francouer -- a former major league All-Star -- by convincing him that pitcher Jorge Reyes is deaf.
Murphy has a significant role in the gig, and a couple of former Sun Devils who now play for the Chihuahuas also make appearances: Travis Buck and Brooks Conrad.
We think you'll find it worth the seven minutes of your time.
If you're interested in more of Decker's comic genius, there's this equally "epic" spot, also including Murphy as a co-conspirator, that came together last August in Tucson.
