Former New York Yankees outfielder Bobby Murcer could face a possible recurrence of a brain tumor he has been struggling with for more than a year, the New York Daily News reported earlier in the day. The Yankees broadcaster is expected to undergo a biopsy on Monday, so as to establish whether the cancer returned.

Murcer, 61, was diagnosed with brain cancer in December 2006, after he complained about some serious headaches and loss of energy. After being admitted to M.D. Anderson, he started chemotherapy and radiation, but his doctors fear the tumor might have recurred.

“I’m going to have to miss the first two spring training games I was scheduled to work,” Murcer said according to the same source. “I still hope to be back for the March 7 game and then be there for the network meeting on the 12th. Right now, I fully intend to be in the booth for the regular season,” he added in the phone interview.

His optimism, strength and willingness to fight the disease determined both the New York Baseball Writers Association and the Baseball Assistance Team to honor Murcer. Further investigations will be necessary for doctors to establish his current condition.

Murcer, who at the age of 26 became the youngest American League player to make a six-figure salary, has spent almost four decades with the Yankees, either as left-handed hitter, with 252 home runs and a .277 average, or as a broadcaster.

In his career as a broadcaster, Murcer was nominated in November 2007 for the Ford C. Frick, which is presented every year during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and also received three Emmy Awards for coverage of Yankees’ game.