Thurman Munson was one of the greatest players in New York Yankees history. He would be the team's number one draft choice in June of 1968, however, his time in the minors would be brief. By 1970 he would take over the regular catching duties for the Yankees, finishing the season with a .302 average, 6 home runs and 53 RBI, numbers which not only earned him the American League Rookie of the Year Award but also established him as one of the top catchers in the game. In 1975 Munson was named the Yankees' first team captain since Lou Gehrig and his play reflected that honor. He would hit over .300 and drive in over 100 runs in each of the three following seasons, the first player to do so in 13 years and only the second catcher ever to accomplish that feat. In 1976 Munson was named the American League MVP and under his leadership the Yankees would go on to capture three consecutive pennants (1976-1978) and two World Championships (1977 and 1978). Munson was at the peak of his career when tragedy struck in 1979. The loss of Munson was devastating to the Yankees and the team would never regroup, finishing the season 13-1/2 games behind the Baltimore Orioles.

Munson epitomized toughness on the baseball field, playing the game at 100% effort at all times and challenging teammates who did not provide the same commitment as he presented or desired. His certain Hall of Fame career was cut short on August 2, 1979, when his Cessna personal aircraft, which he was piloting, crashed near a landing runway near the Akron-Canton Regional Airport and Munson died. He was the key to the New York Yankees consecutive World Series championships in 1977 and 1978 and is still revered by Yankees fans, even nearly 40 years since his tragic passing.

This extraordinary New York Yankees road jersey dates from that fateful season and is obviously one of the last jerseys ever worn by the former Yankee great. This gray knit button-down jersey has "NEW YORK" across the front with "15" on the back, both sewn on in navy blue and white tackle twill. A "Wilson 44" tag appears along the left front tail. "Munson 79 1" is chain-stitched in blue along a gray knit panel in the collar, with the numbers corresponding to the year and set, respectively. The sleeve ends are capped by navy blue and white striping made of a ribbed material. The jersey exhibits solid use and wear including some stains along both the front and reverse, making this a truly remarkable Munson gamer and one of his last worn jerseys! This jersey comes with a full LOA from Mears, who have graded this jersey a perfect A10.

Auction Notepad