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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/19/2020
Thurman Munson was the heart and soul of the New York Yankees during the 1970s. After batting .302 during his rookie season in 1970, Munson was awarded with the Rookie of the Year award, an honor only several New York Yankees had received prior to Munson. In 1976 after nearly a decade of leadership and consistency the New York Yankees named Thurman the first Yankee Captain since Lou Gehrig, an incredible honor. The backstop led the Yankees to their first World Series titles in over two decades in 1977 and 1978 before his tragic passing in 1979.
Munson was known for his longstanding feud with Boston Red Sox counterpart Carlton Fisk. One particular incident that typified their feud, and the Yankees – Red Sox rivalry in general, occurred on the road on August 1, 1973 at Fenway Park. With the score tied at 2–2 in the top of the ninth and runners on first and third, Munson attempted to score from third on Gene Michael's missed bunt attempt. As Red Sox pitcher John Curtis let his first pitch go, Munson broke for the plate. Michael tried to bunt and missed. With Munson coming, Fisk elbowed the Yankee shortstop out of the way and braced for Munson, who barreled into Fisk. Fisk held onto the ball, but Munson remained tangled with Fisk as Felipe Alou, who was on first, attempted to advance. The confrontation at the plate triggered a ten-minute bench-clearing brawl in which both catchers were ejected.
Originating from the collection of longtime Yankee player and executive Gene “Stick” Michael, this 1973 New York Yankees road jersey was personally collected by Michael and belonged to teammate and fellow Kent State Alumni Thurman Munson. The jersey features the navy and white “NEW YORK” across the chest and “MUNSON 73 SET 3” embroidered onto a grey nameplate in the jerseys collar. Munson’s iconic number “15” is sewn on the back in the same navy and white tackle twill. The jersey is size 42 and manufactured by Wilson. The garment shows great use including some visible markings and minor holes on the front tail. This jersey is accompanied by a LOA from Sports Investors Authentication and a letter of provenance from the family of Gene “Stick” Michael.