An upbeat Bobby Murcer said yesterday his treatment for cancer is progressing well enough that he plans on broadcasting Yankees games this season.
“I’m just doing absolutely fabulous,” Murcer said yesterday afternoon during an interview with fellow Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay on 1050-ESPN Radio.
During the interview, Murcer, 60, took calls from listeners and spoke thankfully about the outpouring of support he has received since a brain tumor was removed days after Christmas.
“To tell you the truth, I feel blessed,” Murcer said. “I’m seeing that this world is a loving world and people out there will bend over backwards to help people in need.”
Murcer is receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Though Murcer didn’t delve too far into specifics about how his treatment was going, he said he has not had any setbacks.
Murcer, displaying his famously positive attitude, declared his intention to attend spring training with the Yankees in preparation for YES Network telecasts.
“I plan on being in the booth this year,” Murcer said.
Murcer has been with the Yankees as a player and a broadcaster for nearly four decades. Much of that time has been spent under the ownership of George Steinbrenner, who has continued to be supportive in Murcer’s time of need.
“My relationship with Mr. Steinbrenner has been nothing but golden all those years,” Murcer said. “Even though I got traded, it was just one of those things. I consider Mr. Steinbrenner a very loyal person and he has been very kind to me and my family. He has given me great opportunities to stay with the Yankee organization.”
Murcer said his faith has allowed him to maintain a strong frame of mind.
“Ever since the first time I was diagnosed and they told me I had a brain tumor – at the time I didn’t know it was malignant – but you always have to presume that’s a possibility, I have had a real sense of calm to myself,” Murcer said. “God has given me that. I have trusted him. Whatever will be, will be. I feel like, through my faith, that God will heal me.”
Like many of the callers who spoke with Murcer, Kay expressed how growing up watching Murcer was a tremendous thrill. At the end of the interview, Kay expressed his admiration for Murcer and thanked him for his time.
Murcer said, “I want to thank you very much for giving me the forum to do this because I wanted you to know that even though this looks bad, I’m doing great. I really am. I’m in a great place.
“God has given me peace and the overwhelming love has been insurmountable for me to even deal with. I can feel the fans. I can feel their thoughts and their prayers and I wanted to tell them how much I love them.”