Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes

I hate the Yankees but have tons of friends that give me Evil Empire books because they know I love baseball and that I HATE THE YANKEES. But thsi book is great. If you love the Yankees then you need to buy this book. Bobby Murcer is a legend that all young fans should know about. Bobby was also mentioned in New York Yankees: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports (Sports by the Numbers) great companion guide to any Yankees book.

Bobby Murcer has always been one of my favorite Yankees. This was a fast-read book and enjoyed every page of it. It was a bittersweet read, though. Brought back a lot of memories and left me feeling happy and sad at times, but would definitely recommend it.

Recommended reading....YANKEE FOR LIFE by Bobby Murcer with Glen Wagoner.

Less than two months before Bobby Murcer died from brain cancer (July 12th of this year), Harper released his book YANKEE FOR LIFE. While the sub-title ("My 40-Year Journey In Pinstripes") makes it sound like a baseball centric journal, which of course most of it is, it goes far beyond that of a glory days bio.

Murcer was diagnosed with brain cancer on Christmas Eve 2006.

As Bobby wrote in the prefix:

"But here's the pay off pitch: within days, miraculously, I was enveloped by a calming sense of peace, acceptance, and trust.

Peace. Acceptance. Trust.

Those three words sustained me until I could regain my footing, and have been with me ever since."

Knowing how this story ends makes it all the more sadder based on the humor, hope, dignity and class Bobby Murcer has always shown. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, it is a story you will want to read. Two of Murcer's goals---To broadcast about fifty games in 2008 and to throw out the first pitch at the NEW Yankee Stadium in 2009---were, alas.......

Most book dedications are mere last minute publisher forced fluff, but this one is different. If Murcer's opening dedication "TO KAY" (his wife) doesn't move you, nothing will.

What follows from there is highly recommended.

Paul (see below)
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On June 30, Murcer's family released a statement that he had suffered a relapse:

" Bobby Murcer continues to recover from the effects of cancer and shingles, which caused him to cut short his broadcasting work and his book tour earlier this month. He has been under medical care in Oklahoma City.


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. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.

Bobby remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his broadcasting work down the road, but for now, is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of his fans, and wants them to know that he is aware that he is in their hearts, as they are in his.
"

Two weeks later, on July 12, Nancy Newman of the Yankees' YES Network reported that Murcer had died due to complications related to brain cancer. He was reportedly surrounded by family in his deathbed in his home in Oklahoma City. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner issued a statement following his death: "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." Baseball commissioner Bud Selig eulogized, "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."

The memorial service for Bobby was held in Edmond, OK on August 6, at the Memorial Road Church of Christ. Among the some 2,000 attending the memorial were Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Joe Girardi. Also in attendance Diana Munson, widow of Yankee captain Thurman Munson. The August 6 date was 29 years, to the day, since Murcer gave a eulogy at Thurman Munson's funeral and is also the 25th anniversary of Bobby Murcer Day at Yankee Stadium. The uniform worn by Murcer at his final Yankee Stadium Old Timer's Day appearance in 2007 was presented to his spouse Kay. His tomb can be located in Rose Hill Mausoleum, in the left side of the building.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Murcer

Execellent book for everyone, not only baseball fans. Murcer tells a compelling story of how to keep your priorities in order and maintain your faith. Very easy read, and well worth it.

Bobby Murcer was my hero. I bought an advance copy from Amazon and waited months for it to arrive. It did not disappoint. It is one of the best books I've ever read about sports.
I miossplaced the boof for a couple of months, half-read. I found it again just after he passed away and started reading it again.

I'm saving the last few pages for when I need the strength.