Bobby Murcer Passes Away
Neil Becker
29sports.com
Saturday afternoon’s 9-4 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays was quickly put into perspective when they learned after the final out that long time New York Yankee outfielder and broadcaster Bobby Murcer passed away from brain cancer. “If there’s a Hall of Fame for people, he’s in it,” long time teammate Reggie Jackson said. “He was such a good person, and he was appreciative of the people who cared so much for him.”
This should be an exciting time for New York who are all set to host the much anticipated All- Star game at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday, where a moment of silence will be held for the five time All Star who in his four decades in the Bronx played with guys like Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly.
Murcer, who was called ‘A born Yankee,’ by owner George Steinbrenner, experienced headaches on Christmas Eve in 2006 and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumor. After undergoing surgery that week in Houston, Murcer recovered enough to once again take his place in the broadcast booth where he was a fixture for the entire 2007 season and some of this year before getting sick. In his final hours on Saturday the 62 year-old Murcer, was surrounded by his family. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren,” said Steinbrenner. “I will really miss the guy.”
A favorite with the fans in New York, this Oklahoma native who socked 252 home runs and 1,043 RBI’s in his 17 seasons with the Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and the Chicago Cubs also made a strong impression on current Yankee players who were very saddened by the news. “He was one of the greatest Yankees of all-time,” said Alex Rodriguez. “One of the greatest human beings I ever met.”
Looked upon by many as the next Mantle, this slugger who made his debut as a 19 year-old, started out at shortstop before moving to third base and eventually taking over Mantle’s old position in center field.
This legend hung up his cleats for good in June 1983, before trying his luck in the broadcast booth as the color analysts on the radio. Murcer moved to the position of assistant general manager but returned to the announcer’s booth in 1989. “He always had that bright smile and that positive spin on everything,” said Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi.
Services will be held next week and the Yankees have announced that they will be having a day in the future to honor Murcer for his accomplishments.
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