This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/20/2012
The offered Thurman Munson Yankees jacket was originally acquired through Munson's former teammate Pat Dobson. A notarized letter of provenance accompanying the jacket from a former girlfriend of Dobson’s (Judi Warner) explains its lineage, explaining in part, "...This relationship set the stage for acquiring some great memories and valuable memorabilia. During these years, Pat reserved game tickets for my family, and me, gave me baseballs during batting practices, posed for pictures and gave me team signed baseballs. One day he asked what other souvenir I would like to have and I told him a jacket. He told me he would see what he could do, and to meet him at the entrance of the bullpen during the 5th inning of the game. I did, and he handed me a brown bag with a jacket inside. He told me it was Thurman Munson's warm up coat he had been wearing that day. I later discovered #15 in the front pocket..." Sure enough, Munson’s vintage number "15" appears in black marker inside the right pocket of this superb artifact from the beloved Yankee captain. The jacket dates to the early period of Munson’s tragically short career and features critical details that identify it as a true Yankees team issued garment. The white tackle twill "NY" logo appears over the heart, the embroidered felt team logo patch rests on the left sleeve, and Munson’s all important number “15” is written in the pocket. The jacket's heavy nylon body was intended for use on cold nights in the Bronx, however the zip-in lining that once resided inside is now absent. Elasticized wool ribbing is present at the neck, cuffs and waist, showing definite wear but no damage. The garment remains ideal for display, yet still suitable for wear. Also included in the lot are two Polaroid photographs of young Judi with Pat Dobson. One of the period photos shows her clutching the brown bag to which she refers in her letter of provenance as Dobson is embracing her. This is simply a remarkable Thurman Munson artifact with exceptional, well-documented provenance.
Includes a notarized LOA from Judi Warner and related photos.