A Bay Area native, Bob Murphy was born in San Mateo, California on August 6, 1931. While attending Stanford University, he played in the College World Series. He then signed a contract with Brick Laws to play for the Oaks in 1953.

After winning his first game against Portland, he lost the next four, but ended the season 4-5, beating Hollywood on the last day of the season to bring the Oaks from eighth to seventh place.

He played for Lefty O'Doul in the first part of Oaks' final season in 1955, but was optioned to Stockton in mid-season, where he pitched 11-7, with an ERA of 3.35.