SCP Auctions November 2010 Internet Auction

After fewer than 100 minor league games, Thurman Munson became the Yankees' starting catcher in 1970. The Yankees went from a mediocre team to back-to-back World Championships and Munson rivaled Fisk in the AL as the decade's top catcher. During the Yankees' mini-dynasty of 1976-78 Munson was at his peak. On the field, he piled up his career-best offensive statistics (even a surprising 14 stolen bases in 1976). He hit over .300 with 100 or more RBI three years in a row (1975-77), won the MVP Award in 1976, and hit .529 in the 1976 WS and .320 in the 1977 and 1978 WS. In the clubhouse, Munson led by example, with a no non-nonsense, workmanlike approach to the game. Named the first Yankee Team Captain since Lou Gehrig had held the honor, Munson embodied the spirit and tradition of the sporting world's winningest franchise. Here offered is an Adirondack "259A" block-letter (full name) bat used by the much beloved late Yankees captain. Turned during the 1971-1979 labeling period, this 35", 31-1/2-oz. white ash weapon features a legible centerbrand and bold barrel stampings. Uncracked, the blue-ring example shows light use, with ball and stitch arks about the hitting surface, as well as handwritten notations of "32" (a weight indicator) and Munson's since-retired number "15" on the knob. Includes a full LOA from John Taube of PSA DNA (graded GU7).