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.

Presented here is the single finest Thurman Munson game used artifact in the hobby bar none. Issued to the Yankees emerging leader for his third full season in the majors this matching full home uniform is the only surviving flannel garment worn by Munson. Minimizing the likelihood of it presence here is the fact that the Yankees switched to knit uniforms in 1973. Rarity aside Munsons 1972 Yankees pinstriped home ensemble is a condition marvel. In the neck of the jersey is a white felt patch reading "Munson" in blue chain stitching. The front left breast has the original "NY" logo in blue felt. "Wilson" label with size "42" appears in the left front tail above "72" in blue chain stitch denoting the year. The blue felt player number "15" on the reverse is also original and unaltered as is every other facet of the jersey and accompanying pants. The pants are similarly tagged inclusive of Munsons name in chain stitch and even hold a belt which appears to be original to the pants. The jersey shows excellent game use including ideal and expected areas of wear and piling from contact with Munsons catchers gear. The pants show a lesser degree of wear.

Adding to the scale of this treasure from the modern Yankees dynasty is its ideal source provenance having been purchased by our consignor directly from the estate of Thurman Munson more than fifteen years ago. Only one link removed from Munson himself in a small chain of ownership it has since been preserved in our clients estimable private collection. The finest Thurman Munson game worn uniform in the world is now positioned to take a new place of honor as a cornerstone in any of the finest known museum caliber collections of Yankees memorabilia.

Includes a comprehensive LOA from MEARS (Graded A9.5) and notarized letter of provenance from our consignor.