Murcer Returns Home After Brain Surgery

[a700hitter]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6311468

 

Bobby Murcer was released from the hospital today to return home to recover from surgery for a brain tumor. I remember him as a rookie with the Yankees. He came up as an infielder with stone hands and he was quickly moved to the OF. He wasn't a bad little ballplayer, and the friendly right field porch of the old Yankee Stadium was made for his swing. He was a bit over-hyped, but solid player. He would freak out every time he would face Gaylord Perry. If Perry touched his hat or his head, Murcer would demand that the ump check the ball and inspect Perry. Perry had him so psyched out that he never had to load up the ball to get Murcer out. He was defeated before Perry went into his wind-up. Murcer's Yankee career was effectively ruined by the Yankees' temporary move in 1974 to Shea Stadium which psychologically defeated him and resulted in his trade to the Giants for Bobby Bonds before the 1975 season. Candlestick Park in SF was also not a favorite of Bobby's and he didn't return to offensive prominence until he was traded to the Cubs.

 

As an announcer, he has always been an easy listen. He has a good sense of humor. He does not make the game about him like lots of color analysts who over-analyze the slightest minutiae. He's almost devoid of ego. He's just a regular guy talking about the game. None of the reports have said whether his tumor is malignant, but the fact that they have not released a report that it was benign makes me think that his prognosis may not be very good. I am hoping that he will make a full recovery and return to the booth soon.

[Sox Fan on Cape]

Sad to hear. I wish well in his recovery.