Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
He was the heart of back-to-back World Series winners in 1977 and 1978, and was the Captain of the New York Yankees. While Reggie might have been “the straw which stirs the drink”, Yankee catcher Thurman Munson was the mug which held it all together. This New York Yankees late 1970s cap was worn by Munson when he was calling his own game and taking the physical toll the position provided. The navy blue wool cap has the interlocking “NY” on the front with Munson’s number “15” written in black marker under the brim. Within the moderately soiled sweatband is the “New Era” manufacturers tag with adjacent size “7-3/8” tag. In addition to the heavy sweat soiling, there are numerous stains on the inside and many areas of dirt within and on the outer areas. The flat brim is reminiscent of Munson’s style behind the plate, where he always wore a backwards cap when catching, and not a helmet. We believe this cap was worn during the 1978 season. This particular New Era tag dates the cap to the late 1970s, heart of the Yankee mini dynasty when they reached three consecutive World Series. However, there are numerous images of Munson from the 1978 season wearing a cap with his characteristic flat brim with the exact protruding indentations on the reverse. Due to the nature of his position, Munson’s cap would have pressure issues from the mask and the heavy perspiration resulting from the position. When dried, this sweat would form a stiffening of the inner band and making the unmistakable protrusions. In addition, there are images of Munson wearing a cap with the same “off-kilter” NY, with the “Y” slightly to the left of middle. This would put this cap during Munson’s final full Yankee season, one which presented their fans with another World Series Championship. LOA from game used expert Dave Miedema.