Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer said at the beginning of tonight's game that he hoped he was a good luck charm for the Bombers who have lost 8 of their last 9 games. Forget about the game and forget about the Yankees being in last place, the Yankee family got a victory tonight just by having Murcer back in the broadcasting booth.

Murcer was diagnosed with a brain tumor this past Christmas Eve and had surgery a few days later. He has been absent from the Yankee team except for a brief appearance on Opening Day, but tonight he rejoined his comrades in Arlington, Texas as the Yankees play the Texas Rangers. He says he feels great and that he is ready to work his full schedule of games this year. Yankee fans all over the world could not be happier.

Murcer is one of those unlucky Yankees in that he never won a World Series with them. He was traded before the Bronx Zoo won two titles in the late 70s (he did play on the 1981 Yankees team that lost to the Dodgers in the World Series but was hitless in 3 at bats). To me, Murcer seems like one of the nicest guys in baseball. Joe D told me that Murcer is one of the classiest men in the business. He is also a very popular Yankee. I never got to see him play, but many older Yankee fans immediately made Murcer their favorite Yankee when he took over for Mickey Mantle in center field.

To me, his story really hit close to home. My wife very suddenly lost her brother Mark two years ago from brain cancer. When I heard Murcer's tumor 5 months ago, I was really saddened because it made me think of Mark and the pain that he and his family has gone through. I do have to admit that I thought the worst for Bobby Murcer. So to see him tonight talking baseball and having fun doing what he does best, I could not be happier for him and his family. It makes you realize that it really doesn't matter that the Yankees started the day at 9-14 because Bobby Ray Murcer already won.

Welcome Back Bobby!