Thurman Munson Memorial Era

Lore & Background

Born in Akron, Ohio, Munson was selected as the first overall pick of the 1968 MLB draft and was named as the catcher on the 1968 College Baseball All-American Team. He became the Yankees' starting catcher late in the 1969 season, and after his first complete season in 1970, in which he batted .302, he was voted American League Rookie of the Year. Considered the 'heart and soul' of the Yankees, Munson was named captain of the Yankees in 1976, the team's first officially designated captain. That same year, he won the AL Most Valuable Player Award. As captain, he helped lead the Yankees to three consecutive World Series appearances from 1976 to 1978, winning championships in the latter two years.

In Their Own Story

The summer air hung heavy over Yankee Stadium as the crowd fell silent. In the dugout, a single jersey with the number fifteen was draped across the bench, untouched. The players stood around it, heads bowed, remembering the captain who led them through fire and ice. It wasn't just a game they were playing anymore; it was a tribute to the man who taught them what it meant to be a Yankee.

Reader's Guide

Munson is the first player in baseball history to be named a College Baseball All-American and then in MLB win a Rookie of the Year Award, MVP Award, Gold Glove Award, and World Series championship. He is also the only catcher in MLB postseason history to record at least a .300+ batting average (.357), 20 RBIs (22), and 20 defensive caught stealings (24).

Did You Know?

• Munson died on August 2, 1979, in a crash while practicing landings in his aircraft at Akron–Canton Airport.
• The Yankees immediately retired his uniform number 15 and dedicated a plaque to him in Monument Park.