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03/05/2008 1:30 PM ET
Murcer's biopsy shows no cancer
Broadcaster plans to rest before returning to Yankees' booth
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com




TAMPA, Fla. -- Bobby Murcer received "great news" on Wednesday, as a biopsy performed on his brain revealed only scar tissue and no signs of cancer.
"We are very excited about this news," Murcer said. "It's what we had hoped for all along."

Murcer, a former All-Star outfielder and longtime member of the Yankees' broadcast team, had an MRI exam performed last week that revealed a spot on his brain.

Murcer, 61, underwent a biopsy on Monday at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he was operated on in December 2006 for incurable brain cancer. Since the surgery, Murcer has been undergoing regular MRI scans every other month.

Murcer had been scheduled to work several Spring Training games for the YES Network, but he said that he is now setting his sights on returning for the regular-season opener on March 31 in New York.

"We are checking out today and are flying back home to Oklahoma," Murcer said. "I plan on resting at home over the next few weeks and focusing my energy on returning to the Stadium for its final Opening Day. My family and I thank everyone for their prayers, e-mails, cards and thoughts."

Murcer was a five-time All-Star during his 17 big league seasons, with four of those All-Star appearances coming as a member of the Yankees. He batted .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBIs in 1,908 Major League games, and also played for the Cubs and Giants.

For most of the past 24 years, Murcer has worked as a Yankees broadcaster. Murcer was in the radio booth as color analyst from 1983-85 and has been on TV as a color commentator since 1987. He served as the team's assistant general manager in 1986.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.