On September 23, Oklahoma Christian University will dedicate its new Bobby Murcer Indoor Training Facility as another step to revive the school's baseball program. University officials and Murcer's family will gather to open the 12,800-square-foot facility (with 8,000 square feet of workout space, including batting cages).

It's named for an Oklahoma City native and New York Yankees player and broadcaster who died in 2008 (at age 62) with brain cancer. One of the state's most famous players, Murcer followed another famous Oklahoman, Mickey Mantle, as the Yankees' center-fielder. Long one of the team's most popular players, he later spent more than two decades as a broadcaster.

Although never attending OC, Murcer had strong ties with many people linked to the university. OC dropped baseball in 2001 and didn't field a team again until 2008.

Chuck White, OC's baseball coach, sounded happy to honor Murcer's memory. “It's how he handled himself and how he treated other people,” White said. “He was always very gracious, humble and engaging.”

Murray Evans
Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, U.S.

(September 22, 2011)


Bobby Murcer: from
baseball to broadcasts.

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