Offered is a stunning and captivating single signed Official American League Joseph E. Cronin baseball bearing the treasured script of New York Yankee legend Thurman Munson. On August 2, 1979, Munson was killed in a plane crash at the Canton-Akron airport. The Yankee captain was practicing touch-and-go landings in his new jet when the fatal accident occurred. In the days before electronic mail and social media, the news of Thurman Munson’s death flashed like lightning across every TV and radio station in America. No baseball fan wanted to believe it, hoping for some kind of mistake or misidentification. However, after seeing and hearing the numerous news reports, people had to confront the harsh reality of the tragedy. Munson was so revered at the time of his passing, flags were flown at half-staff in New York and New Jersey at the behest of the state governors. The first Yankee player to be named captain since Lou Gehrig, Thurman was popular with his teammates, who respected his dedication to the team. His opponents knew him as a tough hard-nosed competitor who did whatever it took to win. The ball offers a stunning autograph on the side panel, a typical spot for the modest Munson. Overall in fine condition with light toning and discoloration, this signed baseball is accompanied by a LOA from JSA.

Auction Notepad