What they're saying: About Bobby Murcer

Published: July 13, 2008

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

Ted Cox, former MLB third baseman, met Murcer at a game when Cox was playing for the Red Sox: "He was always a very generous, fun-loving guy that was very well respected.”

Alex Rodriguez, current Yankees third baseman: "One of the greatest Yankees of all-time. One of the greatest human beings I ever met.”

Ferguson Jenkins, Hall of Fame pitcher and 1971 Cy Young Award winner, knew Murcer through their work at the Oklahoma Sports Museum: "He was such a good athlete and such a good man in the community. It's really unfortunate the way it happened; we thought he was making a recovery.”

John Filippelli, president of production and programming for the YES Network (the Yankees broadcasting network): "The Yankees have lost an icon, and we at YES have lost a great friend and colleague. Bobby was the ultimate pro, be it on the field or behind the microphone. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Kay and his family.”

Stan Meek, Director of Scouting for the Florida Marlins and former OU pitcher and assistant coach, met Murcer on two or three occasions and grew up a Murcer fan: "It's a sad day to see something like that. He was an outstanding player and seemed like a very solid guy. He was another Oklahoma guy to play for the Yankees, which was my team growing up. He was one of the guys I enjoyed watching play."

Michael Kay, current Yankees play-by-play man: "Sometimes you idolize somebody and you get to meet them and you're disappointed. But I've never met a more genuine person.

"What he went through the last couple of years no one should ever have to go through, but he went through it with such grace. He was an amazing, amazing guy. He was a piece of work in the best way possible.”

David Cone, former Yankee pitcher and current YES Network analyst: (On spending time with Bobby at Yankees Old-Timers Days) "He was so great in the clubhouse, just a pleasure to have in the clubhouse. The players really loved having him around. Old-Timers Day was always a special day for Bobby. When the Yankees would come to Kansas City when I was growing up there, he was always one of the guys I was trying to get an autograph from. He was a really good player, a really solid left-handed hitter.”

Ralph Terry, former Yankees, Athletics, Indians and Mets pitcher, met Murcer when he first signed with the Yankees: "Everybody loved Bobby; he was a great competitor and a great player. He was very well liked and very well loved by everybody that ever knew him. He was a great Oklahoma athlete; I'm proud to have had him for a friend.”

Kimberly Jones, YES Network clubhouse reporter: "I will never forget how kind Bobby was or how much he cherished every day. Back in March 2005, in one of my first interviews with Joe Torre, he first declined to answer a harmless question then asked me to hold his gum. I extended my notebook and Joe placed the wad on the top page.

I had no idea what to think. Two seconds later, Bobby was howling in laughter, as was Joe. It was through a practical joke that Bobby figured he would help the newcomer break the ice. And it was something Bobby and I laughed about many, many times in the years to come. He was always smiling, always upbeat and his spirit was undeniable. Everyone loved Bobby and we will miss him dearly.”

Bud Selig, Major League Baseball commissioner: "All of Major League Baseball is saddened today by the passing of Bobby Murcer, particularly on the eve of this historic All-Star game at Yankee Stadium, a place he called home for so many years. Bobby was a gentleman, a great ambassador for baseball, and a true leader both on and off the field. He was a man of great heart and compassion.”

Joe Girardi, current Yankees manager: "He was a tough man. He was a great Yankee, but probably more importantly he was a great friend. He always put others first. He played the game the right way. He got what life was about, and that was making life better for the people around you.”

Lou Piniella, Current Cubs manager, Murcer's teammate in New York: "Just a wonderful person, a great teammate and a heck of a baseball player.”

Mickey Tettleton, former MLB player from Oklahoma, met Murcer at games and through both attending Southeast High School: "It's a terrible loss. We've lost a good guy, and I hope Kay and his kids are doing all right.”

Jason Giambi, current Yankees first baseman: "He always had that bright smile and that positive spin on everything. He was the type of guy who never had a bad day.”

From Staff and Wire Reports