Spring 2015 - Item detail
1979 Thurman Munson New York Yankees Game-Worn Home Uniform (Jersey & Pants) with Munson Family Provenance! - MEARS A10
- Sold For:
- $54,000
- Year:
- 1979
- Auction:
- 2015 Spring
- Lot #:
- 21
- Category:
- Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia
Offered here is the finest Thurman Munson New York Yankees uniform extant: a 1979 home example that has been graded a perfect A10 by MEARS and is accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Munson's wife in which she attests that this is one of the last uniforms he ever wore. This is one of only two Thurman Munson New York Yankees uniforms (jersey and pants) we have ever seen at auction and the only example to originate directly from the Munson family.
The white knit pinstripe jersey features the club's distinctive "NY" logo on the left breast and the number "15" on the reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in navy tackle twill. Munson's name, along with the year and set number of the jersey ("Munson 79 2") are chain-stitched in blue upon a strip tag in the collar. A "Wilson 44" label is situated on the left front tail. The matching pants feature a "Wilson" label in the waistband. The size ("35-1/2") is chain-stitched in navy upon the Wilson label. Adjacent to the manufacturer's label is a white strip tag that features Munson's name, the year, the set number, and the inseam measurement ("Munson 79 1 22") chain-stitched in navy. Both the jersey and pants are all original, with no alterations. According to MEARS, the jersey displays "light to moderate" use and wear, while the pants display "no appreciable signs of use or wear." Graded A10 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with no deductions).
This jersey first appeared at public auction in 2008 (along with many other Thurman Munson items consigned directly by the Munson family) where it realized $86,250. According to the original auction description, the New York Yankees presented this uniform to Munson's wife, Diana, shortly after Munson's death on August 2, 1979. Five years later, in 2013, it was once again offered at auction (now also accompanied by a MEARS LOA), where it was purchased by our consignor for $62,151, and in whose sole possession it has remained until this time.
Few modern baseball garments can compete with a full Thurman Munson New York Yankees home uniform in terms of both rarity and historical significance. Thurman Munson was one of the finest all-around catchers of his era and another in a long line of legendary Yankees players. A former Rookie of the Year, six time All-Star selection, and League MVP, Munson helped lead the Yankees to three pennants and two World Championships during his brief career. In addition to his remarkable offensive achievements (including three consecutive seasons of batting over .300 with 100 or more RBI) Munson was also awarded three Gold Glove Awards in recognition of his defensive skills. In 1976 he received possibly his highest honor when he was named the team's first captain since Lou Gehrig. Like Gehrig, Munson led by example and was modest by nature, happy to deflect the spotlight away from himself and onto his teammates. His tragic death in 1979 remains one of the darkest days in Yankees history and, not surprisingly, signaled the downfall of the team's 1970s dynasty. Today, Munson's number "15" has been retired along with those of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle, and his plaque hangs proudly alongside other Yankee immortals in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Today, Munson's locker is on permanent display at the Yankees Museum (located in Yankee Stadium), where it remains just as it did at the time of his death, a silent tribute to one of the greatest players in team history. LOA from Troy Kinunen and Dave Grob/MEARS and LOA from Diana Munson (on auction letterhead). Reserve $25,000. Estimate (open).
The white knit pinstripe jersey features the club's distinctive "NY" logo on the left breast and the number "15" on the reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in navy tackle twill. Munson's name, along with the year and set number of the jersey ("Munson 79 2") are chain-stitched in blue upon a strip tag in the collar. A "Wilson 44" label is situated on the left front tail. The matching pants feature a "Wilson" label in the waistband. The size ("35-1/2") is chain-stitched in navy upon the Wilson label. Adjacent to the manufacturer's label is a white strip tag that features Munson's name, the year, the set number, and the inseam measurement ("Munson 79 1 22") chain-stitched in navy. Both the jersey and pants are all original, with no alterations. According to MEARS, the jersey displays "light to moderate" use and wear, while the pants display "no appreciable signs of use or wear." Graded A10 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with no deductions).
This jersey first appeared at public auction in 2008 (along with many other Thurman Munson items consigned directly by the Munson family) where it realized $86,250. According to the original auction description, the New York Yankees presented this uniform to Munson's wife, Diana, shortly after Munson's death on August 2, 1979. Five years later, in 2013, it was once again offered at auction (now also accompanied by a MEARS LOA), where it was purchased by our consignor for $62,151, and in whose sole possession it has remained until this time.
Few modern baseball garments can compete with a full Thurman Munson New York Yankees home uniform in terms of both rarity and historical significance. Thurman Munson was one of the finest all-around catchers of his era and another in a long line of legendary Yankees players. A former Rookie of the Year, six time All-Star selection, and League MVP, Munson helped lead the Yankees to three pennants and two World Championships during his brief career. In addition to his remarkable offensive achievements (including three consecutive seasons of batting over .300 with 100 or more RBI) Munson was also awarded three Gold Glove Awards in recognition of his defensive skills. In 1976 he received possibly his highest honor when he was named the team's first captain since Lou Gehrig. Like Gehrig, Munson led by example and was modest by nature, happy to deflect the spotlight away from himself and onto his teammates. His tragic death in 1979 remains one of the darkest days in Yankees history and, not surprisingly, signaled the downfall of the team's 1970s dynasty. Today, Munson's number "15" has been retired along with those of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle, and his plaque hangs proudly alongside other Yankee immortals in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Today, Munson's locker is on permanent display at the Yankees Museum (located in Yankee Stadium), where it remains just as it did at the time of his death, a silent tribute to one of the greatest players in team history. LOA from Troy Kinunen and Dave Grob/MEARS and LOA from Diana Munson (on auction letterhead). Reserve $25,000. Estimate (open).