Bobby Murcer, a beloved New York Yankee who played for the team or called their games for more than four decades, died today from complications of brain cancer, the Daily News reports. Murcer, 62, played his first game for the Yankees as a teenage shortstop in 1965, then later moved into the outfield to replace fellow Oklahoman Mickey Mantle. Murcer, a five-time all-star and team leader, endeared himself to fans on the field and later in the broadcast booth.
In May, despite undergoing treatment for cancer, he published his memoirs about his life as a Yankee. "I feel especially blessed to have been able to hear from and see all these wonderful people who have been my fans," he told the Daily News a few months ago. "You have no idea what a strength the fans have been for me." (More New York Yankees stories.)