Get Bobby Murcer his plaque

Today, May 20, would have been Bobby Murcer's 71st birthday. If you follow my blog or other sites that I have written for, you know that Bobby Murcer was my guy growing up. You may also know that there is a special connection because like Bobby, my Mom passed away from brain cancer.

With Derek Jeter obvious entrance into Monument Park, it's time once again for me to make a pitch for a plaque out beyond centerfield.

Click here to read the column I wrote for Bronx Pinstripes last year. And, contact the Yankees front office and tell them to get Bobby a plaque.

Devastated

That word sums up best how we're I'm feeling today. The pain of dental work done earlier today doesn't compare to the pain in my heart after learning of the death of Bobby Murcer. Bobby succumbed to complications from brain cancer earlier today in his native Oklahoma.

For any Yankees fans born in the early 1960's, Bobby Murcer was your man. There wasn't a whole lot to choose from in the late 1960's. Mickey Mantle had just retired, and the team was already into a decline that would last for a dozen years.

Bobby was said to be the "next Mickey Mantle". An absurd assertion brought on by the fact that, like Mickey, he was from Oklahoma, came up as a shortstop, and was signed by the same scout, Tom Greenwade.

October 22, 1974 was a rotten day. Bobby had been dealt to the San Francisco Giants for Bobby Bonds. "Bobby for Bobby" the headlines read. I hated George Steinbrenner, Gabe Paul, and Shea Stadium, which helped to end Bobby's tenure in Pinstripes.

February, 1977, Bobby started his way back east with a trade to the Chicago Cubs, and a little more than two years later he returned to his true home. The Cubs traded Bobby back to the Yankees on June 26, 1979, and that night he was in the lineup in Toronto against the Blue Jays. It was odd seeing him wearing number two, since Billy Martin now wore number one, but he was back and we were ecstatic.

June 11, 1983 was Bobby's last game in the Pinstripes, his spot needed for a young guy by the name of Don Mattingly. He then went up and worked in the booth. He may not have been Vin Scully, but the joy he brought to the booth, especially interacting with the Scooter, his Oklahoma accent, and his pride of being a Yankee, was priceless. It made us happy that he was still part of the team in some way.

December, 2006, the shocking news that Bobby had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I was especially stunned since it was also the same cancer my Mom had died from. Bobby had surgery and was part of an experimental program that combined a vaccine with chemotherapy. Bobby's contributions to the program ended today. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I feel like a part of my youth died with him. Those were the days when you didn't care about anything but playing baseball and made believe you were Bobby Murcer when you batted. And, of course, I had a Bobby Murcer official bat from Bat Day at the Stadium.

Bobby, you will be so missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bobby's wife Kay, his children Todd and Tori, and his grandchildren. God Bless you Bobby.

- Drew aka Mantlemurcer

Devastated

That word sums up best how we're I'm feeling today. The pain of dental work done earlier today doesn't compare to the pain in my heart after learning of the death of Bobby Murcer. Bobby succumbed to complications from brain cancer earlier today in his native Oklahoma.

For any Yankees fans born in the early 1960's, Bobby Murcer was your man. There wasn't a whole lot to choose from in the late 1960's. Mickey Mantle had just retired, and the team was already into a decline that would last for a dozen years.

Bobby was said to be the "next Mickey Mantle". An absurd assertion brought on by the fact that, like Mickey, he was from Oklahoma, came up as a shortstop, and was signed by the same scout, Tom Greenwade.

October 22, 1974 was a rotten day. Bobby had been dealt to the San Francisco Giants for Bobby Bonds. "Bobby for Bobby" the headlines read. I hated George Steinbrenner, Gabe Paul, and Shea Stadium, which helped to end Bobby's tenure in Pinstripes.

February, 1977, Bobby started his way back east with a trade to the Chicago Cubs, and a little more than two years later he returned to his true home. The Cubs traded Bobby back to the Yankees on June 26, 1979, and that night he was in the lineup in Toronto against the Blue Jays. It was odd seeing him wearing number two, since Billy Martin now wore number one, but he was back and we were ecstatic.

June 11, 1983 was Bobby's last game in the Pinstripes, his spot needed for a young guy by the name of Don Mattingly. He then went up and worked in the booth. He may not have been Vin Scully, but the joy he brought to the booth, especially interacting with the Scooter, his Oklahoma accent, and his pride of being a Yankee, was priceless. It made us happy that he was still part of the team in some way.

December, 2006, the shocking news that Bobby had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I was especially stunned since it was also the same cancer my Mom had died from. Bobby had surgery and was part of an experimental program that combined a vaccine with chemotherapy. Bobby's contributions to the program ended today. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I feel like a part of my youth died with him. Those were the days when you didn't care about anything but playing baseball and made believe you were Bobby Murcer when you batted. And, of course, I had a Bobby Murcer official bat from Bat Day at the Stadium.

Bobby, you will be so missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bobby's wife Kay, his children Todd and Tori, and his grandchildren. God Bless you Bobby.

- Drew aka Mantlemurcer

Bobby Murcer is Ailing

Peter Abraham posted this press release from the Yankees on our guy Bobby Murcer.

Bobby Murcer continues to recover from the effects of cancer and shingles, which caused him to cut short his broadcasting work and his book tour earlier this month. He has been under medical care in Oklahoma City.

The cancer treatment over the last 18 months has been intensive and has, as a side effect, somewhat compromised his immune system and made the fight all the more challenging. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.

Bobby remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his broadcasting work down the road, but for now, is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of his fans, and wants them to know that he is aware that he is in their hearts, as they are in his.

You're in our hearts, minds, and prayers Bobby. Hang in there!

Bobby Murcer is Ailing

Peter Abraham posted this press release from the Yankees on our guy Bobby Murcer.

Bobby Murcer continues to recover from the effects of cancer and shingles, which caused him to cut short his broadcasting work and his book tour earlier this month. He has been under medical care in Oklahoma City.

The cancer treatment over the last 18 months has been intensive and has, as a side effect, somewhat compromised his immune system and made the fight all the more challenging. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.

Bobby remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his broadcasting work down the road, but for now, is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of his fans, and wants them to know that he is aware that he is in their hearts, as they are in his.

You're in our hearts, minds, and prayers Bobby. Hang in there!

Cancer Has no Friends

We step back from the "we" for this 0ne and into the "I". Like most families, ours is no stranger to cancer. I hate it, I loathe it, it disgusts me. I lost my Mom after a 10 year battle with brain cancer. My sister survived Hodgkins Disease in her 20s and 25 years later she contracted breast cancer from the radiation treatments for Hodgkins. She's doing well. She and my Mom are the two most courageous people I have known, and they're not alone.

I just finished reading Bobby Murcer's autobiography, "Yankee For Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes". There's detailed information on what Bobby went through when he began feeling symptoms that lead to a discovery of cancer and the treatment, some of it experimental, that has followed. It hit close to home since it was the same type of cancer my Mom had. The current experimental treatment, which includes a vaccine in addition to radiation and chemo did not yet exist when she passed away in 2001.

The Yankees family has also been hit hard by cancer. The battles of Joe Torre and Mel Stottelmyre are well documented, but some Yankees farm hands have also been affected. Trenton Thunder teammates Chris Malec and Colin Curtis have both survived testicular cancer. John Nalbone of the Trenton Times has a nice story today on Malec and Curtis.

Research much continue and the government must be more responsible and flexible in the handing out of research grants. One day its my hope that cancer will basically be a thing of the past like polio or small pox.


Useful links

Learn more from the American Cancer Society.

The Brain Tumor Foundation.

Cancer Has no Friends

We step back from the "we" for this 0ne and into the "I". Like most families, ours is no stranger to cancer. I hate it, I loathe it, it disgusts me. I lost my Mom after a 10 year battle with brain cancer. My sister survived Hodgkins Disease in her 20s and 25 years later she contracted breast cancer from the radiation treatments for Hodgkins. She's doing well. She and my Mom are the two most courageous people I have known, and they're not alone.

I just finished reading Bobby Murcer's autobiography, "Yankee For Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes". There's detailed information on what Bobby went through when he began feeling symptoms that lead to a discovery of cancer and the treatment, some of it experimental, that has followed. It hit close to home since it was the same type of cancer my Mom had. The current experimental treatment, which includes a vaccine in addition to radiation and chemo did not yet exist when she passed away in 2001.

The Yankees family has also been hit hard by cancer. The battles of Joe Torre and Mel Stottelmyre are well documented, but some Yankees farm hands have also been affected. Trenton Thunder teammates Chris Malec and Colin Curtis have both survived testicular cancer. John Nalbone of the Trenton Times has a nice story today on Malec and Curtis.

Research much continue and the government must be more responsible and flexible in the handing out of research grants. One day its my hope that cancer will basically be a thing of the past like polio or small pox.


Useful links

Learn more from the American Cancer Society.

The Brain Tumor Foundation.

YES, Bobby Murcer is Back

We were greeted with exciting news in today's Star Ledger, Bobby Murcer will be back in the YES broadcast booth tonight and this weekend, and will work out of the studio next week. Bobby was in the Stadium last night, and would have been broadcasting earlier this year if not for a health scare during spring training.

It had been a little over a year since Bobby's surgery for brain cancer, and the results of an MRI had shown the cancer might have returned. But doctors found that it was just scar tissue/residual effect of the surgery and he's doing well. He also spoke last night with Newsday's Anthony Rieber.

He joked about his current treatment regimen -- steroids. I guess I shouldn't say that," he said.

Murcer said he is "cancer-free" after a biopsy in March but added, "I had some setbacks after my biopsy and I'm still not 100 percent."

"I haven't been as strong this year as I was last year," he said. "But everything's all right. Just glad to be here."

In case you have seen it yet, MSG Plus+ is airing an interview with Bobby on their show Halls of Fame. Host Fran Healy has never been a favorite of ours (he may be one of the worst game announcers ever), but he does a good job in this half-hour segment that digs a little deeper than Bobby's boiler plate Yankeeography.

Welcome back Bobby!

YES, Bobby Murcer is Back

We were greeted with exciting news in today's Star Ledger, Bobby Murcer will be back in the YES broadcast booth tonight and this weekend, and will work out of the studio next week. Bobby was in the Stadium last night, and would have been broadcasting earlier this year if not for a health scare during spring training.

It had been a little over a year since Bobby's surgery for brain cancer, and the results of an MRI had shown the cancer might have returned. But doctors found that it was just scar tissue/residual effect of the surgery and he's doing well. He also spoke last night with Newsday's Anthony Rieber.

He joked about his current treatment regimen -- steroids. I guess I shouldn't say that," he said.

Murcer said he is "cancer-free" after a biopsy in March but added, "I had some setbacks after my biopsy and I'm still not 100 percent."

"I haven't been as strong this year as I was last year," he said. "But everything's all right. Just glad to be here."

In case you have seen it yet, MSG Plus+ is airing an interview with Bobby on their show Halls of Fame. Host Fran Healy has never been a favorite of ours (he may be one of the worst game announcers ever), but he does a good job in this half-hour segment that digs a little deeper than Bobby's boiler plate Yankeeography.

Welcome back Bobby!

Bobby Murcer Update

As we told you last week, Bobby Murcer was going in for biopsy in Houston this morning, after doctors didn't like something they saw on his latest MRI.

Peter Abraham has an update via an email from Bobby's wife, Kay.

Bobby is doing great and is resting comfortably after this morning’s biopsy. He could be released as early as tomorrow. Results won’t be available until later this week.

Hang in there Bobby; our prayers continue.

Bobby Murcer Update

As we told you last week, Bobby Murcer was going in for biopsy in Houston this morning, after doctors didn't like something they saw on his latest MRI.

Peter Abraham has an update via an email from Bobby's wife, Kay.

Bobby is doing great and is resting comfortably after this morning’s biopsy. He could be released as early as tomorrow. Results won’t be available until later this week.

Hang in there Bobby; our prayers continue.

Thoughts and Prayers for Our Idol

It's well documented on this website and in our posting pseudonym that Bobby Murcer was our idol growing up. Well the man who brought joy to us as kids needs our thoughts and prayers again.

As you may recall, Bobby was diagnosed with brain cancer in December, 2006 and underwent surgery, as well as radiation and chemotherapy.

Now word is that the cancer may be back. Bobby's wife Kay sent out an email to their friends and family, including the NY Daily News' Bill Madden, after an MRI Tuesday showed something suspicious. The thought is that it is either scar tissue or a tumor. A biopsy is scheduled for Monday in Houston to make that determination.

Here's the email that was sent out,

Text of e-mail sent by Kay Murcer to friends, including our own Bill Madden:

hello dears...
guess it's been too long since we've sent any new messages about our crazy, jam-packed life... and I've always said that "no news is good news", however, that's why I'm getting this to you today. Bobby's MRI Tuesday showed an area that the docs are concerned about, and he is scheduled for a brain biopsy at MDA this coming Monday . . . Please pray that it will be determined to be necrosis (scar tissue from the radiation), and not another cancerous tumor. It's one of the two.
we've had to make many travel changes, but still hope to be in Tampa for spring training games by the 7th, then to NYC for opening day on the 31st. Life comes with a few bitter pills to swallow, and we are trying to digest this latest bit of information with God's grace as our strength.
many of you know that our dear friend, Dr. Sam Hassenbusch, lost his battle with this insideous (sic) disease last Monday . . . He was such a good man, and taught us much about how best to handle adversity while inspiring everyone on his path along the way. We have been blessed with the Hassenbusch family's encouragement this last year.
Just know that we are dealing with this the only way we know how... with God, family, friends, prayers. It's a bump in the road, and we care so much that each of you are staying with us as the journey continues.
lots of xoxoxoxo, k & bobby

We're all praying for you Bobby!

Thoughts and Prayers for Our Idol

It's well documented on this website and in our posting pseudonym that Bobby Murcer was our idol growing up. Well the man who brought joy to us as kids needs our thoughts and prayers again.

As you may recall, Bobby was diagnosed with brain cancer in December, 2006 and underwent surgery, as well as radiation and chemotherapy.

Now word is that the cancer may be back. Bobby's wife Kay sent out an email to their friends and family, including the NY Daily News' Bill Madden, after an MRI Tuesday showed something suspicious. The thought is that it is either scar tissue or a tumor. A biopsy is scheduled for Monday in Houston to make that determination.

Here's the email that was sent out,

Text of e-mail sent by Kay Murcer to friends, including our own Bill Madden:

hello dears...
guess it's been too long since we've sent any new messages about our crazy, jam-packed life... and I've always said that "no news is good news", however, that's why I'm getting this to you today. Bobby's MRI Tuesday showed an area that the docs are concerned about, and he is scheduled for a brain biopsy at MDA this coming Monday . . . Please pray that it will be determined to be necrosis (scar tissue from the radiation), and not another cancerous tumor. It's one of the two.
we've had to make many travel changes, but still hope to be in Tampa for spring training games by the 7th, then to NYC for opening day on the 31st. Life comes with a few bitter pills to swallow, and we are trying to digest this latest bit of information with God's grace as our strength.
many of you know that our dear friend, Dr. Sam Hassenbusch, lost his battle with this insideous (sic) disease last Monday . . . He was such a good man, and taught us much about how best to handle adversity while inspiring everyone on his path along the way. We have been blessed with the Hassenbusch family's encouragement this last year.
Just know that we are dealing with this the only way we know how... with God, family, friends, prayers. It's a bump in the road, and we care so much that each of you are staying with us as the journey continues.
lots of xoxoxoxo, k & bobby

We're all praying for you Bobby!