Remembering Bobby Murcer

Posted by James Lincoln Ray Jul 13, 2008

Bobby Murcer came to the Major Leagues as a 19 year-old, switch-hitting centerfielder from Oklahama who had good power and remarkable speed. If that sounds like the description of another Yankee (one nicknamed the Mick), that's because the two players were indeed very similar in many ways.

Although Murcer never reached the heights predicted for him by optimistic Yankee management who tried to promote him as "The Next Mickey Mantle," Bobby did have a fine playing career. He made five straight All Star teams, hit over 250 home runs and drove in more than 1,000 runs.

The moment for which I will always remember Murcer is the game-winning hit he got against the Baltimore Orioles on August 6, 1979. Earlier that day, he had eulogized and buried his closest friend, Thurman Munson.

After his playing days ended, Bobby eventually went to the broadcast booth, where he was a natural. He was always charming, and he was always a gentleman. He brought a lot class and a lot of fun to Yankee broadcasts. But more than anything else, Bobby Murcer was a man who seemed very comfortable in his own skin. And he seemed to have a talent for making others feel the same way.

He will be dearly missed. God Bless You, Bobby.