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 Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk in the AL as the decade's top catcher. Thurman Munson's career statistics rival or surpass every catcher who has been inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame, and on that basis alone, he has rightfully earned a place in Cooperstown. Munson's case, however, is strengthened by the intangibles that ordinarily weigh heavily in distinguishing the great from the good. Fiercely proud and determined, Munson played with pain and nagging injuries. A leader by voice and by example, Munson set a tone that disallowed preening individualistic play that hindered the team goal of winning championships. Also, the premier clutch hitter of his era, Munson amassed a .373 career average in World Series play.

Offered is Thurman Munson’s 1970-72 rookie-era Hillerich & Bradsby model S44 professional model bat. The 35-inch, 31.7-ounce bat shows evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack that has been secured. Slight checking from repeated ball contact is on the back barrel. Many ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right, left and back barrel. Cleat marks are visible on the front and left barrel. Also visible on the bat are red and blue bat rack streaks and there is a light remnant of pine tar on the handle. The model number (S44) is stamped into the knob and Munson's number (15) is written on the knob in black marker. Includes a LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (GU8) (Cert: 1B16951).