This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2022
This exquisite and atmospheric portrait of Thurman Munson was taken at the very beginning of the career that would make him one of the most beloved Yankees of all time. Munson’s big-league debut was in the second game of the August 8, 1969, home double header against Oakland. The rookie went 2 for 3 with two RBI and a run scored as New York beat Oakland 5-0. This Type 1 photo is dated August 9, 1969 on the back. We are not sure if that was the day the photo was taken or the day which it was distributed, but regardless, it is among the very first to show the future star as a Yankee. There exists a documented photo of Munson and Bobby Murcer taken on the day of his debut, but we have yet to see an original Type 1 of that photo. This is definitely the earliest solo photo of Munson and likely the earliest known photo of him in a Yankees uniform. The photo shows light toning and minimal edge wear. The reverse has several date stamps (including August 9, 1969) as well as many handwritten printer notations and marks. The 8 x 10” photo has been encapsulated by PSA and graded a Type 1 Authentic.