Bobby Murcer battling brain cancer

New York Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer revealed Wednesday that the tumour removed from his brain was malignant.

Murcer, 60, reportedly is scheduled to begin six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation because some invasive cancer cells could not be contained.

"As we begin a new year, I find myself facing a new challenge, the biggest of my life so far," Murcer said in a statement.

Murcer underwent brain surgery at the renowned University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston on Dec. 28.

An MRI conducted Dec. 24 revealed the tumour, which caused headaches and fatigue.

"I am not having to battle this alone, but am fortified with the most loving family, an abundance of wonderful friends and fans and the very best class of physicians,"Murcer said.

"I am gaining confidence that, with God and my faith leading the way, we will, as a team, put up an incredible fight. Please continue to send up prayers."

Murcer was one of the most popular Yankees of his generation, playing more than 12 of his 17 major-league seasons in New York before retiring to the broadcast booth in 1983.

He has since won three Emmy Awards as the voice of the Yankees.

"Bobby Murcer represents the spirit of the Yankees, and, above all, he is my dear friend," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said Wednesday in a statement.

"I know Bobby very well. He has true grit, is a fighter and our entire Yankees organization offers our prayers to him and his family for a big win in this battle."

Murcer manned the outfield from 1965 to 1983, hitting .277 lifetime with 252 home runs, 1,043 runs batted in, 972 runs scored and 127 stolen bases in 1,908 MLB games for the Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs.

He was a five-time all-star and won the Gold Glove Award for fielding excellence in 1972.