#441-442 Thurman Munson

The Yankee icon for  the entire 1970’s....a life tragically cut short in a plane crash...it remains one of the most shocking and sudden deaths in baseball history......excellent player tough competitor wrapped up in a blue collar, Joe Lunchpail exterior....mentioned in line with great Yankee backstops, Dickey, Berra, Elston Howard, and most recently Posada....not in HOF but his locker is on display...ROY 1970....his appearance escalated the NYY franchise from distant also ran to first division status .....a model of consistency....Prime years were 1975-77....averaged 103 RBIs and a .308 BA ....Took MVP honors 1976...needless to say a fine collection of all star game appearances and handful of gold gloves...Although the fourth selection in 1967 draft Munson far exceeded expectations based on very limited minor league playing time....never had a bad post season...in fact his game seem to improve in every World Series appearence...his legend and memorial does not fade and continues to this day....292 career BA.