The 1969 Yankees were still coming down off their 1947-1964 dynasty that saw the club win 15 pennants and 10 World Championships. Though no longer the AL powerhouse they once were, the Yankees would soon have something to boast after the late season debut of a young, hard-nosed catcher named Thurman Munson. This Official Batting Order card was used in a September 30, 1969 game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees lineup that day included Roy White, Bobby Murcer and Thurman Munson, who would go 3-for-4 with a triple, walk, run and RBI as the Yankees whipped the Indians, 8-2. The following season Munson would win AL Rookie of the Year honors.
The lineup card (“1968” labeled but used a year later by the club) was filled out by Yankees manager Ralph Houk who signed it at the bottom simply “Houk.” 17 members of the team have signed the front and back of the card, mostly in red pen, including a bold Thurman Munson (8-9/10) right across the front. Also on the front are Steve Hamilton, Bill Burbach, Jack Aker, Lindy McDaniel, Stan Bahnsen and Joe Pepitone. The back has Frank Fernandez, Ron Blomberg, Bobby Cox (HOF), Al Downing, Gene Michael, Roy White, Bobby Murcer, Jack Gibbs, Ron Woods and Bill Robinson. The signatures come in several mediums – red, blue and black marker and black ballpoint – adding to the visual attractiveness of the piece. Munson signatures are quite scarce in the hobby due to his untimely death in ’79, but this bold pre-ROY, debut season example is one of the nicest you will find. Includes full LOA from Beckett (A52322). Additional COA from GAI (GV180370).