"Bobby returns to the Yankees after two years in the Army. At 22 this outstanding prospect from Oklahoma City now has a chance to hit his stride. Bobby has good power; in his last year at Toledo he hit .266 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI's. Now he should be even stronger, having matured physically while in service.
In the Rookie League in 1964, Murcer hit .365 and followed that with .322 at Greensboro. He has had yearly home run totals of 16 and 15 in the minors, has a strong arm and can really run. While basically a shortstop, Bobby showed well at third in the winter Instructional League and he may be alternated at that position this year.
Murcer is a product of Little League and American Legion ball and was a four-letter man in high school. His boyhood idol was Mickey Mantle, so it was a big thrill for him to play shortstop on Mickey Mantle Day in 1965."
The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook
"Bobby returns to the Yankees after spending two years in the Army. Considered one of the top prospects in the Yankee organization, he has a very strong arm and is a good hitter with some power. Along with his fine batting averages in the minors, he hit 16 and 15 home runs in his first two [full] seasons of professional baseball.
He came north with the Yankees from spring training in 1966, then was sent down to gain needed experience. Bobby played third base in the Florida Instructional League upon his release from the Army last fall and showed he has lost none of his hitting ability. He displayed a little extra power, as he gained about 10 pounds in the Army.
Bobby has a good chance of being a Yankee regular this season, although at which position Ralph Houk admits is a problem; he also admits it is one of the nicest problems he's ever had as a manager.
Bobby's baseball idol is Mickey Mantle, which seems natural since he comes from the same state and was signed by the same scout, Tom Greenwade. His nickname is 'Okie.'"
-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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