Bobby Murcer (Oklahoma City, Francis, May: high school, celebrities, pay)

[Hallway]

One of Oklahoma City's shining celebrities has died.

Bobby Murcer was the center fielder who replaced another famous Oklahoman... Mickey Mantle. Bobby played for the Yankees for several years.

I've known Bobby for several years. In fact, I went to elementry school thru high school with his brother Randy. When I was a teenager in Oklahoma City, the guys and I would hang around the local TG&Y where Bobby and his dad had a jewelry store, Murcer's Jewlery. Bobby sold me a drop, which is what we gave the girls we went steady with at the time.

He was a good man. A VERY good man. As I write this, I am nearly in tears because not only did I think of Bobby as a friend, but the successor to one of the greatest baseball players in history. Mickey Mantle. I often told people I knew him as I was quite proud of that fact. Some had doubts, but that's ok.

If by chance he reads this... Randy Murcer... You and the rest of the family have my deepest sympathy. If I can, I will at least pay my respects at the funeral home.

Bobby... Thanks for being part of my life. May you rest in peace. After touching so many, you deserve peace. Say hello to Mick and the boys

[Synopsis]

I'm sorry for the loss. I didn't know about Bobby Murcer but he had a good friend in you.

[DOUBLE H]

Growing up in the 50's, I use a huge Yankee fan, with Mickey Mantle being my favorite player. Murcer was going to be the next Mickey, co-owner Dan Topping was quoted as saying. Mantle's last great year IMO was '64 but Murcer eventually took his place in the outfield, switching Mickey to first place when they traded off Joe Pepitone. Although Bobby did not put up Mickey Mantle numbers he still had an illustrious career with the Yankees. I believed he played a couple seasons with San Francisco and was traded back to the Yanks. He played in half a dozen all star games. Between coaching , playing, and the broadcast booth, his career with the Yankee organization is somewhere around 40 years. It is VERY difficult to replace a legend, as Mantle replaced Joe DiMaggio earlier, but Bobby had a fine career himself, and his leadership in the locker room made him a key member of that organization.