A rich tradition of outstanding catchers already existed on the New York Yankees by 1970. Either Bill Dickey Yogi Berra or Elston Howard manned the position for the Yankees in virtually all of the previous 40 seasons. Following in the footsteps of those three exceptional receivers was Thurman Munson who arrived in New York as a brash and cocky 22-year-old in 1970 brimming with so much self-confidence that he often aggravated not only many opposing players but even initially surprised some of his own teammates with his temerity. Within a few years though Munson established himself as one of the American League's most admired and respected players and ultimately one of the most beloved figures in New York sports history.

From a statistical standpoint Thurman Munson reached his peak during the mid-1970s batting over .300 and driving in more than 100 runs in three consecutive seasons (1975-1977). He hit a career-high .318 in 1975 then followed that up by winning the American League's Most Valuable Player Award in 1976 by hitting 17 home runs driving in 105 runs batting .302 and leading the Yankees to their first pennant in 12 seasons. Munsons stat line for the 1976 season was more than enough to garner consideration for the leagues highest individual honor however it only served a partial measure of Munsons true value. The first Yankee captain since Lou Gehrig Munson had developed into one of the finest clutch performers of his time. Even though the Yankees were swept by Cincinnati in the 1976 World Series Munson continued his previously established pattern of post-season excellence batting .529 with six hits in his final six at-bats. Demonstrating the admiration and respect many of Munson's opponents had for him Reds' catcher Johnny Bench stated "I was always totally amazed at Thurman. I thought he was one of the greatest competitors I've ever known."

And then there was leadership. Thurman Munson simply willed his team to victory. Extremely competitive and possessing a burning desire to win he challenged his teammates to work as hard as they possibly could always seeking to bring out the best in them. Outfielder Elliott Maddox said of Munson: "If Thurman was on your case it meant he liked you. So he loved me because he never gave me a moment's peace....

Although the Yankees lost in 1976 to the Cincinnati Reds a new pattern had been established. The aura of the Yankees had returned and it was due in large part to the character displayed by Munson both on and off the field. It is for those reasons that he was chosen to be the league's Most Valuable Player. Originating from Thurman Munsons personal estate collection the offered black painted wooden plaque measures 16" in diameter and retains its original surface and accoutrements. Every facet of the award remains nearly pristine and well preserved as issued. The MVP award is the most coveted of individual performance awards in Major League Baseball. The offered exemplar awarded to Thurman Munson is without question among the most desirable player examples from the modern era ever offered for public sale.

Includes letter of provenance from Diana Munson.