As a lifetime New York Yankees fan, I've seen and read about plenty of great players that have come in and out of the Bronx. For some it is merely a stop during their career, for others, it is the perfect place to end theirs. For Bobby Murcer, the New York Yankees were his life.While I barely remember seeing him play, Murcer holds an important distinction as the only Yankee to play with both Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly. He was immensely popular and hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBIs in 17 seasons in the majors.
A five-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner and three-time Emmy Award winner, Murcer dealt with a malignant brain tumor for years; it never stopped him from continuing to help the team as a broadcaster even up to the middle of last season. All-in-all, Murcer spent nearly four decades in pinstripes as a player, executive and announcer. He spent his whole life as a great human being.
"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."
"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," Commissioner Bud Selig said.
"If there's a Hall of Fame for people, he's in it," Reggie Jackson said. "He was such a good person, and he was appreciative of the people who cared so much for him."
"Just a wonderful person, a great teammate and a heck of a baseball player," ex-Yankee teammate Lou Piniella said. "It's a sad day."
"I've never met a more genuine person," Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay said. "What he went through the last couple of years no one should ever have to go through, but he went through it with such grace. He was an amazing, amazing guy. He was a piece of work in the best way possible."
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