Yankees' Murcer given clean bill of health
Brain biopsy on broadcaster shows no sign of tumour
There was relief at the New York Yankees' spring training site in Tampa Bay, Fla., on Wednesday concerning the health of broadcaster Bobby Murcer.
Results of a brain biopsy conducted on Monday showed no sign that a tumour had reoccurred.
An MRI exam last week showed an area of concern, which prompted the biopsy Monday at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
"We received great news this morning," Murcer said in statement released by the Yankees. "The biopsy revealed scar tissue. It showed no signs of cancer. It's what we had hoped for all along.
"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 scheduled to leave hospital Wednesday and return to his Oklahoma home.
An all-star outfielder who played 17 seasons in the major leagues, Murcer had surgery in December 2006 in Houston, four days after being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour, which caused headaches and fatigue.
The 61-year-old played for the Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs from 1965-83, batting .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 runs batted in.
Murcer was a five-time all-star and won a Gold Glove Award for fielding excellence in 1972.
He has been a popular broadcaster on Yankees games for 23 seasons, winning several Emmy Awards.
With files from the Associated Press