Beth Murphy
Linda Zabors
Beth Murphy was the owner of Murphy’s Bleachers sports bar at the corner of Sheffield and Wavelend, across the street from right field at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field baseball stadium. The bar has a rooftop view of Cubs Baseball is popular among, fans, athletes, and musicians who all play at Wrigley.
Beth was active in the Lakeview community among rooftop owners and local businesses; she defended their interests amid the development in and around the iconic baseball stadium. She was the former president of East Lakeview Neighbors, and she led the annual Oktoberfest fundraiser.
The bar was originally Ernie’s Bleachers in the 1930s, In 1965 it became Ray’s Bleachers under new ownership. Beth’s husband, Jim Murphy, bought the bar in 1980 and ran it until his death in 2003. The bar is now owned by the next generation of the family, Brian Murphy.
Her honorary sign was dedicated at the Oktoberfest event in 2023.
Honorary Beth Murphy WAY
Southeast Corner of North Sheffield Avenue and West Waveland Avenue
Approved: September 2023
Ward: 44
Alderman: Bennett Larson
Neighborhood: Lakeview/Wrigleyville
b. 1955
d. 2023. Age 67
near
Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield
Source
20232741
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/14/beth-murphy-murphys-bleachers-late-owner-will-be-honored-with-wrigleyville-street-sign/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/04/24/beth-murphy-the-murphys-bleachers-owner-who-battled-the-chicago-cubs-over-the-wrigleyville-rooftops-dies-at-68/
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/beth-murphy-owner-murphys-bleachers-dies/
https://abc7chicago.com/beth-murphy-chicago-obituary-cubs-news/13186851/