2019 Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction Lots 1-82 Close Aug 1- 83-end close 8/10

Lot #19: 1977 Thurman Munson All-Star Game Used Hillerich & Bradsby S44 Model Bat (PSA/DNA GU 9.5)

Description

New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson went into the 1977 season with something to prove. Despite back-to-back seasons of batting .300 or better, the previous year’s loss in the World Series weighed heavy on the Yankees’ captain. Resolved to avenge the loss, Munson embarked on a season for the ages, batting .308 with an even 100 RBIs to lead the Bronx Bombers to the first of two consecutive World Championships. That year the fans voted Munson to his 6th All-Star Game appearance. In the game, held that year at Yankee Stadium, Munson had one at-bat, a strikeout against Goose Gossage.

PSA/DNA has examined film footage of the game and while it is clear he is using a Louisville Slugger bat, it cannot be definitely proven it is this particular bat. However, due to the heavy use on this bat, PSA/DNA has opined that Munson used this bat during the remainder of the 1977 season. The Hillerich & Bradsby S44 model bat shows outstanding use with a slight handle crack that has been repaired. “1977 ALL-STAR GAME NEW YORK, NY” is stamped into the barrel above and below Munson’s signature. The barrel displays numerous ball marks with stitch impressions on all sides along with a generous amount of cleat imprints, a trait found on Munson gamers from this era. Green bat rack paint streaks can be seen and there is a heavy coat of pine tar still present on the lower handle, another feature found on Munson game used bats. The model number “S44” is stamped into the knob end and Munson’s famed number “15” is handwritten in black ink. You couldn’t ask for a more complete Munson gamer than this. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B16089) for the game use and has been graded a near-perfect GU 9.5.

Final Bid (Includes Buyers Premium):$20,400
Minimum Bid:$3,500
Number of Bids:25