Murcer Slowed
Via the AP -
Bobby Murcer is receiving medical care in Oklahoma after treatment for cancer forced him to curtail his schedule last month.
The 62-year-old Yankee broadcaster and former star outfielder had surgery in December 2006, four days after being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He returned to the broadcast booth last season. His March biopsy showed no cancer, and Murcer broadcast his first game of the season May 2.
Murcer, who is gettng help in Oklahoma City, also is recovering from shingles, an outbreak of rash or skin blisters caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. His family released a statement yesterday saying Murcer “remains hopeful that he will able to resume his broadcasting work down the road.” “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,” the statement said. “While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle.”
I’m just about done reading Murcer’s book. (My review, here, is soon to follow.)
Based on what I saw when I got to meet Bobby last month, in terms of his appearance, plus reading things in his book – statements along the lines of “I’ve had a great life” and “My one goal is to be able to throw out the first pitch at the new Yankee Stadium” – make me suspect that Murcer’s condition truly has him in a weakened state. Let’s all hope for the best for Bobby. It’s been a long, rough, road for him. And, it’s very sad to see such a wonderful man have to deal with all this bad stuff.
It is such a shame. I’ve always been a fan of Bobby – both as a player and broadcaster. He’s a good man.
I hope he’s being kept out of pain and that he does indeed know know how respected and loved he is.
This is one of those times, I guess, when one’s faith is really tested.
[...] when we heard recently that Bobby had slowed, I thought that it was time to start preparing myself for some sad news…between now and next [...]