Yankee Bobby Murcer Dies

Former pitcher was 42

(NEWSER) - Onetime Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu has been found dead in his Southern California home at age 42. Police are investigating the case as a suicide, reports AP . Born in Japan, Irabu was signed in 1997 with great fanfare by the San Diego Padres, but he was traded to the Yankees the same year; he said they were the only team that interested him. He went 29-20 over 3 years for the team and was traded to the Montreal Expos in 1999 before retiring in 2002, the New York Post reports. He was 34-35 overall, never quite living up to expectations of being the Japanese Nolan Ryan. More»

'Voice of God' introduced stars from DiMaggio to Jeter in 5-decade-plus career

(NEWSER) - Bob Sheppard, the public-address announcer who welcomed generations of fans to Yankee Stadium in a career that spanned more than 55 years, has died at 99, the team announced today. Reggie Jackson nicknamed Sheppard "The Voice of God," and a recording of his voice continued to announce Derek Jeter after he left the booth in 2007, reports the Daily News . More»

(NEWSER) - Phil Rizzuto, who filled the annals of the New York Yankees as both a shortstop and a broadcaster, is dead today at 89. The Scooter tended the infield for 13 years with the Bombers, alongside Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio, and took home seven World Series titles. After being cut he became one of baseball's most iconic broadcasters, thrilling fans with his trademark "Holy Cow"-laden color for 40 years. More»

Legendary Yankees closer tears ACL while catching balls in batting practice

(NEWSER) - A freak injury may have just taken out the greatest closer of all time. Mariano Rivera tore his ACL and his meniscus while shagging flyballs during batting practice yesterday, likely ending his season and, many are speculating, his career. Rivera had already hinted that he might retire after this year. Asked if he thought he'd play again, Rivera whispered, "At this point I don't know. Going to have to face this first," Fox Sports reports. More»

Joba Chamberlain lost so much blood he could have died: Daily News

(NEWSER) - Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain is likely out for the season and possibly done with baseball after suffering a bizarre and gruesome ankle injury, reports the Daily News . He damaged his right ankle while playing with his young son and lost so much blood that his life was in danger, a team insider tells the newspaper. "I believe it was a trampoline," says GM Brian Cashman. The gruesome part: The bone pierced the skin, ala Joe Theisman. More»