NEW YORKâBobby Murcer, a five-time all-star outfielder who spent nearly four decades with the New York Yankees as a player, executive and announcer, has died. He was 62.
The Yankees said Murcer died yesterday due to complications from brain cancer. He was surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in his hometown of Oklahoma City, the team said.
"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children (Tori and Todd) and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."
Murcer was diagnosed with a brain tumour on Christmas Eve 2006 after having headaches. He had surgery that week in Houston and doctors later determined the tumour was malignant.
Murcer hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBIs in 17 seasons with the Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs. He made the all-star teams in both leagues and won a Gold Glove.
"All of Major League Baseball is saddened today by the passing of Bobby Murcer, particularly on the eve of this historic All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, a place he called home for so many years," commissioner Bud Selig said. "Bobby was a gentleman, a great ambassador for baseball and a true leader both on and off the field. He was a man of great heart and compassion."
Always a fan favourite in New York and known for his folksy manner as a broadcaster, Murcer won three Emmy Awards for live sports coverage. His most dramatic words came on one of the saddest days in Yankees history.
Murcer delivered one of the eulogies in Ohio after captain Thurman Munson was killed in a plane crash in August 1979. The team flew home after the funeral and, that night, Murcer hit a three-run homer and then a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth to beat Baltimore 5-4.
Murcer made his major-league debut as a 19-year-old in 1965.
