Bobby Murcer Dies at 62

I was saddened today to learn of the passing today of Bobby Murcer, the former Yankees player and broadcaster. He lost a brave battle he put up with brain cancer for nearly 19 months. He was 62 years old.

Murcer originally came up with the Yankees in 1965, a shortstop with the potential in many people's minds of being another Mickey Mantle (he was also from Oklahoma). He never lived up to that, but he did carve out a solid career as an outfielder with the Yankees, Giants and Cubs. I remember in my youth having spirited debates with my friends who were Yankee fans over who was a better player, Bobby Murcer or Rusty Staub.

After baseball, he went into the Yankees broadcast booth, and announced games for 24 years. He won three Emmy awards.

After his brain cancer was diagnosed in late 2006, Murcer came back to the Yankees booth to broadcast some games in both 2007 and 2008. He had hoped to be in New York for the All-Star Game, but he recently said he wasn't up to coming in. He died at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City earlier today.

Bobby Murcer leaves a wife, two children and five grandchildren. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and fans. He was known as a classy gentleman, and will be deeply missed.