Featured here is the late great Thurman Munson’s 1977-79 game-used Hillerich & Bradsby / Louisville Slugger pro model bat from the personal collection of former Big League catcher Phil Roof. Munson was “The Captain” of the New York Yankees well before Derek Jeter and served as the on-field commander of the 1970’s Bronx Bombers for virtually the entire decade the pillar around which a pennant-winning and World Championship dynasty was built. No other MLB player’s bats from the mid-to-late 1970’s are as coveted as Munson’s and this one was wielded by the 7-time All-Star and two-time World Series champ during the years following his 1976 MVP season right up until his tragic death in 1979. Munson batted .308 .297 and .288 in those three years respectively and made the A.L. All-Star team in both '78 and '79.

The 35-inch 33.4-oz. ash bat is uncracked and exhibits evidence of light use. A few ball marks are visible on the barrel along with several black contact streak marks. The model number “S44” is stamped into the barrel and Munson’s iconic No. “15” is penned in black marker on the knob and barrel ends. Fresh to the hobby after almost four decades in a former MLB player's possession this offered piece of lumber is a fine example for the esteemed bat connoisseur or Munson collector.

Includes LOA from Phil Roof. Full LOA (1B12509) from John Taube of PSA/DNA with GU 7 grade.

Provenance: This lot comes directly from the personal collection of former MLB catcher Phil Roof who logged 15 seasons (1961 1964-77) behind the dish with nine different franchises most notably the Minnesota Twins. Roof spent five consecutive years (1971-76) with the Twins where he was teammates with Harmon Killebrew. Following his playing career Roof served as a bullpen coach for three teams before managing in the Twins organization for 16 years (mostly in the PCL) until retiring from full-time duties in 2005. He received each of the bats featured in this auction directly from the players as gifts.