Former Yankee center fielder Bobby Murcer is in Houston this weekend, but not for a good reason.
Yankee legend Bobby Murcer is scheduled to undergo surgery [Thursday] in Houston for the removal of a brain tumor.Murcer, 60, a Yankee institution as a player and broadcaster for 40 years, had been experiencing headaches and a loss of energy in recent days and, after an MRI on Christmas Eve, the tumor was discovered. It was then decided that he would seek treatment at the MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, one of the foremost cancer facilities in the country.
"I'm feeling OK and we're just going to have to see what this surgery will bring," Murcer said by phone last night. "I'm hopeful that everything will turn out OK and I'm thankful to have so many friends who are rooting for me."
Bobby Murcer emerged in good spirits yesterday from six hours of surgery to remove a brain tumor and, according to close family sources, the Yankee legend's doctor was "completely happy" with how the operation went.According to former Yankee publicist Marty Appel, who spoke last night with Murcer's wife, Kay, Murcer was actually talking and joking following the procedure at the renowned University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Dr. Jeffrey Weinberg performed the surgery.
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"They removed it all and everything went great," Appel said Kay Murcer told him. "The doctor was completely happy with the way it went and Bobby came out of the recovery room talking and even asked the anesthesiologist, who he remembered by name: 'How did I do, Tom?'"
It will take a few days before doctors can fully analyze the pathology reports on the tumor, but initial signs all appear to be positive. Kay Murcer said, "Bobby fully expects to be in spring training in March."
As of now, barring any complications, Murcer, 60, is expected to remain in the hospital over the weekend and likely will be discharged on Monday, when he would return home to Oklahoma City for his recovery period.
Bobby Murcer was going to be the next Mickey Mantle. He was not. He played well but it was not enough for what had been expected of him. I don't know enough about him to know if he felt burned by the hype.I felt he got a raw deal. Hopefully he'll get better.
Posted by: TexasLiberal on December 30, 2006 5:42 PMget well soon Bobby you the greatest
Posted by: Phil on January 1, 2007 10:19 AMI just hope Bobby Murcer gets well and is on YES this coming season. I cannot imagine the Yankee games without him.
Posted by: Charlanne Lamberto on January 1, 2007 6:35 PMI was Bobby's BIGGEST fan when he played for the Chicago Cubs. He was a great player and great person. I was sadden to hear of his illness but remembering Bobby from the 70's and 80's, he's a tough guy. Get well soon Bobby!
Posted by: Jenny on January 2, 2007 10:56 AMWhen I was a kid I was a HUGE Bobby Murcer fan... I even tried batting like him when I played in little league... he had a unique way of arching the bat in his practice swings! Turned out, I was a horrible baseball player!
Thanks for keeping us up to date... hoping Bobby and his family get good news and he is back on his feet ASAP.
Keeping them all in my prayers.
Posted by: STERN on January 5, 2007 2:57 PMAs a kid growing up in New York, I loved the Yankees and Bobby Murcer was my hero. I wish him a full and speedy recover.
Posted by: Robert Craig on January 7, 2007 6:52 AMBest wishes to Bobby and Kay. Does anyone have an address for Bobby?
Posted by: jc on January 10, 2007 6:59 PMBOBBY I AM 69 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR ENTIRE CARRER. TWO YEARS AGO I HAD THE PRIVILAGE OF MEETING YOU AT SPRING TRAINING. YOU ALWAYS WERE A GENTLEMEN AND AN ASSET TO BASEBALL. WILL PRAY FOR YOUR COMPLETE RECOVERY. I WILL ALSO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY TO HANDLE THIS MATTER. I, LIKE MENY OF ALL BASEBALL FANS LOVE YOU AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF EVERYTING. YOUR DEVOTED FAN TONY. I WILL SEE YOU AT SPRING TRAINING. MAY GOD LOOK OVER ALL HIS BELOVED SHEEP.
Posted by: TONY CRISAFULLI on January 11, 2007 7:41 AMBOBBY,
YOU HAVE BEEN MY IDOL SINCE I WAS 7 OR 8 YEARS OLD BACK IN 1973-4. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY IDOL BOTH FOR THE WAY YOU PLAYED THE GAME AND THE TYPE OF HUMAN BEING YOU ARE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS!! LOVE, DAVE
You have always been a favorite of mine and you always will be. Your the face of the yankee's. Fight like hell and get well soon. I'm looking forward to hearing you on the radio and I know they will have you on TV. all our love and prayers, Lucien and son's.
Posted by: lucien langlais jr on January 11, 2007 3:22 PMmy dad says one of the saddest days as a yankee fan was when you were traded.the proudest was that day you had for us fans for#15.my dad was such a fan of you and the yanks and will always be.he says you were a gentleman on the field and always a pleasure to watch play.my mom was never a fan of bb,my dad took her to her first game when they were dating you didnt let him down then either smacking one out and my mom a fan of yours too. mr.murcer our prayers are with you and your family as you fight this. god bless . the mondellos .
Posted by: sean mondello on January 12, 2007 7:56 AMBobby -
You have brought so much joy, entertainment and laughter into my family during Yankee broadcasts. I was a huge fan of yours during your playing days and my admiration only grew for your during your broadcasting days. You are a huge inspiration to all of us and the entire Colaprico family wishes you the best of health and a we know you'll "fight the fight."
Regards,
The Colapricos
Posted by: Thomas Colaprico on January 13, 2007 7:39 AMBobby and Kay Murcer;
First of all I wish you both the best in your struggle against the cancer. You may not remember me, but when you and Kay were stationed at Ft. Huachuca in 63/64, you went to the church of Christ in Huachuca City and we became friends. You had signed with the Yankees and were driving a new Buick Riviera. You and Kay were the most gracious people and you still are. I have followed your career on and off over the years.
I will keep you both in my prayers.
Colin Peabody
Phoenix, AZ
BOBBY MURCER WAS MY HERO. One of my first games as a child,July13th 1973,Bobby hit 3 home runs in one game against the K.C. Royals. I still have the scorecard. I had sent it in to have Bobby sign it at a steiner signing in N.Y. in 2005. MURCER was the ray of hope to Yankee fans during the 60's and 70's. The best player on an average team. Bobby carried the Yankees with grace,class and dignity. Like Gehrig.Dimaggio and Mantle, there was no doubt that he was a YANKEE when he took the field. BOBBY was a Yankee and always proud of that. Timing was against him. BOBBY made the team when MANTLE.MARIS,HOWARD were on board. BOBBY'S playing time was cut short with these legends due to military service. BOBBY came back in 1969,with full force,but the dynasty he joined was gone,FORD,MANTLE,BERRA retired,MARIS AND HOWARD were traded. BOBBY had the legend of MANTLE to liveup to. Without the support of a spectacular team,BOBBY forged ahead. The team showed some promise in 1973. The move to Shea in 1974 hurt BOBBY. Steinbrenner,who had promised to never trade BOBBY MURCER,he went back on his word and MURCER was traded for BOBBY BONDS. Well now the team that BOBBY MURCER carried was on the climb,he did not reap the rewards for his groudwork.During 1975-1978 there were post season games for the Yankees,and 2 world series championships. MURCER'S TIMING WAS AGAINST HIM AGAIN. 1979,Murcer was back,traded from the Cubs,back to NEW YORK. BOBBY MURCER was winding down now,BOBBY GOT TO SEE HIS ONLY POST SEASON IN 1981,only to exit without a ring to the Champoinship Dodgers. Well,I hope BOBBY'S timing is right this time. I hope they caught the cancer in time.Cancer took his brother DEWAYNE MURCER.,,TO ME, BOBBY MURCER IS THE SILENT HERO,ONE THAT DID NOT COMPLAIN OF HIS SHORT COMINGS. HE BELONGS IN MONUMENT PARK. WE THE FANS WHO GREW UP IN THE 60'S AND EARLY 70'S DID NOT HAVE A DYNASTY OF SPECTACULAR PLAYERS, WE HAD ONE HERO AND HIS NAME WAS BOBBY MURCER.
Posted by: CHARLIE on January 13, 2007 5:22 PMBobby,
Watching you play for the Yankees, I am thankful to have seen a great person and
player. I too am battling
cancer. Get well soon and see you on the diamond.
My prayers are for you
and your family.
I played a year with Bobby. He is very special. Whitey F
Posted by: Whitey Ford on January 30, 2007 7:42 PMBEST WISHES AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY TO A MAN WHO IS A CLASS ACT AND A TRUE PROFESSIONAL.PLEASE EVERYBODY SAY A PRAYER FOR BOBBY MURCER AND MY FRIEND SGT MIKE RYAN NYPD WHO IS IN THE FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE BATTLING LYPHOMA - THE ILL EFFECTS OF 911
Posted by: EMIL D. NYPD DETECTIVE on January 31, 2007 5:16 PMBobby, 40 years ago my son, Paul (Yogi), and I were at your wedding. We used to see you play in Toledo and whenever the Yankees came to Chicago. When you lived at Old Orchard Country Club, we used to see you play for the Cubs.
My family and I send our best wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery.
Best Regards, Bob Rosenbaum
Posted by: BOB ROSENBAUM on February 2, 2007 4:29 PMI have always been a yankee fan.and you are one of the reasons why. I am praying that the Lord,Jesus Christ, will touch your body and grant you a full recovery. May His blessings be on you. Yours in Christ Linwood R Moore
Posted by: Linwood Moore on February 6, 2007 2:21 PMBobby, Best Wishes and a speedy recovery.
Best Regards,
Bret Conviser
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'll see you at the game.
Posted by: Patricia on February 10, 2007 8:32 PMDear Bobby Murcer:
One of my first games at Yankee Stadium was before it was re-built. The opponent was the Kansas City A's and you played shortstop. You'll always be, "Number One, Bobby Murcer, Number One."
Along with Mickey and The Scooter .... You're the BEST... I'm
pulling for you Bobby...