The Yankees have traditionally had some of the greatest catchers in major league history – from Bill Dickey to Yogi Berra and Elston Howard. The 1970s saw the Yanks continue with their run of first-rate backstops with Thurman Munson. He was 1970 Rookie of the Year and went upwards after that, helping restore the Yankees back to their pennant winning form. For three straight seasons the Yankees won the pennant and winning it all in 1977 and 1978. Munson’s home run against the Royals in the 1978 ALCS ranks as one of the most dramatic in Yankees history; the 475-foot blast clearing the wall in The Stadium’s Monument Park in left center and winning the game.

This piece of baseball history was worn by Thurman Munson during that 1978 season. The classic Yankees road jersey has “NEW YORK” across the front in navy and white tackle twill and navy and white ribbing encircling the sleeve opening. A size 44 Wilson label is sewn in the lower front tail and a gray strip tag in the collar has “Munson 78 1” in navy chain stitching. The back of the jersey has Munson’s feared number “15” in navy and white tackle twill. To say the condition of this jersey is visual embodiment of the rough and tumble style of play Munson was famous for is an understatement. The body is covered with turf marks, pine tar residue and perspiration stains. The lettering show puckering from frequent laundering and there are loose threads throughout. One can actually see the wear on the shoulder from Munson’s catcher’s equipment, a nice element that makes the gamer even more personal. The city name was replaced when it was sent down to a minor league team after the 1978 season but has been expertly restored to its original appearance. If there was one Thurman Munson game used jersey with which to illustrate the way he played the game, this one would be it. This jersey comes with a LOA from Sports Investors Authentication for the game use.

Auction Notepad