Let's All Remember Thurman Munson Today

[JollyElm]

I still remember coming home from caddying on that hot day, August 2, 1979, and being greeted by my brother with tears in his eyes who told me The Captain had died in a plane crash. It is burned into my soul and 34 years later the despair remains as clear as day.

I was a Mets fan who became partial to Reggie Jackson on the Yanks, but I loved Thurman Munson's grittiness as a player and his leadership of a team that had gone so far under so much strife.

Rest in peace, Captain.

[Cardboard Junkie]

I remember being a little sad at his untimely demise, but I never really cared for him as a ballplayer. Dave:)

[batsballsbases]

My favorite player and I think of him daily! Rest in peace my friend!

[the 'stache]

I was only seven years old when this happened, but I remember hearing he had died on the news. I'd just started getting into baseball, so the Captain of the Yankees dying...during the season no less, was devastating. The man was a great baseball player, but more importantly, he had tremendous class.

Could somebody post a really nice example of his 1971 Topps rookie card? I know it's not Pre-war, but I think it would be ok to make an exception. His rookie card is one of the best action cards I've ever seen.

RIP, Thurman.

[steve B]

Even as a Red Sox fan there were Yankees you just had to like as players. Maybe not the Yankee swagger, which was sometimes deserved, but there were a few like Munson who played the game right.

His loss was a sad day for baseball, and altered the rivalry in a number of ways.

Steve B

[the 'stache]

I love this McFarlane of the Yankee Captain. I think they did an absolutely fantastic job of capturing Thurman. The man could do everything. He was a great hitter (.300 or better 5 times, drove in 100 runs three straight seasons), and phenomenal behind the plate (3 straight Gold Gloves from 1973 to 1975).

http://bimg1.mlstatic.com/mcfarlane-mlb-thurman-munson-cooperstown-7-new-york-yankees_MLM-F-3447081848_112012.jpg

1976 American League MVP Thurman Munson blocking the plate.

[Peter_Spaeth]

His rookie is 1970 Topps.

[the 'stache]

Sorry Peter, you're right. I always do that with the Carl Yastrzemski's 1960 and 1961 cards, too.

That's a beauty you've got.