This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2013.
Thurman Munson played his entire 11-year career for the New York Yankees. A perennial All-Star, Munson is the only Yankee ever to win both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards. He became the starting catcher late in the 1969 season, and played his first complete season in 1970, becoming Rookie of the Year. Considered the "heart and soul" of the Yankees, Munson became the first team captain since Lou Gehrig. He led the Yankees to three consecutive World Series, winning two of them in 1977 and 1978. Munson died tragically at the age of 32 in 1979. His number “15” has since been retired by the Yankees and will forever reside in Monument Park. Manuf: H&B Signature Model. Model Number: S44. Length: 35 in. Weight: 31.7 oz. Labeling Period: 1970-72. Wood: Ash. Condition: Cracked slightly on the back handle and repaired. The model number “S44” is stamped into the knob along with the player number “15” written in black marker. Ball/hit marks are present on the left and back barrel. Blue and red bat rack marks are present on the top and left barrel. The bat exhibits evidence of excellent use. Accompanied by a LOA from PSA/DNA grading the bat an 8.