Bronx, NY (Best E Casino) - Former New York Yankees outfielder and broadcaster Bobby Murcer passed away on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City after a long battle with brain cancer.

The 62-year-old was diagnosed with brain cancer on Christmas Eve 2006 and underwent surgery at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Later tests revealed the tumor to be malignant.

Murcer, a lifetime .277 hitter, slugged 252 home runs and drove in 1,043 runs in 1,908 major league games with the Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs over the course of his 17 seasons in the big leagues.

"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," Yankees chairperson George M. Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."

For the better part of the last 24 seasons, Murcer has worked with the Yankees as a broadcaster. His efforts have landed him three Emmy Awards.

The five-time All-Star cemented his status as a legend in the Bronx on August 6, 1979 following the death of Yankees captain and close friend Thurman Munson. The Yankees had just returned from Munson's funeral in Ohio and were playing the Baltimore Orioles; Murcer, who delivered the eulogy at the service, drove in all of New York's runs in the 5-4 victory.

"If there's a Hall of Fame for people, he's in it," said Reggie Jackson, former teammate and a member of the Yankees' special advisory group. "He enjoyed life, his family and people. He was such a good person, and he was appreciative of the people who cared so much for him."