RIP, Bobby Murcer

The first Yankee centerfielder of my youth has passed away.

RIP, Bobby.

Bobby Murcer, the Yankees outfielder and broadcaster, died on Saturday at age 62. He had been battling brain cancer since being found to have a tumor on Christmas Eve in 2006.

After Mickey Mantle’s retirement in 1968, Murcer was one of the few bright spots in the Yankees universe as the team struggled to compete in the late ’60s and early ’70s, and was considered by many to be the most popular Yankee during this time.

More here.

"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."

Murcer was traded for Bobby Bonds and later returned to the Yankees in 1979. It's a shame he missed out on those 1977-1978 World Series teams.