1971 Thurman Munson Game Worn New York Yankees Jersey--Photo Matched!...

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Sold on Feb 27, 2021 for:

$34,800.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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The 1970 Rookie of the Year earns his first All-Star nod!

1971 Thurman Munson Game Worn New York Yankees Jersey--Photo Matched! The first man named captain of the New York Yankees since Lou Gehrig, the original owner of this splendid flannel ensemble regrettably shared another noteworthy distinction with the Iron Horse--a tragic, early death. While it's impossible to conclude what might have been had Munson's private plane landed safely at the Ohio airfield where he perished, the year of his passing marked the dividing line between back-to-back World Championship seasons and the longest drought in franchise history since Ruth claimed the first in 1923. But this much is certain--Thurman Munson was the heart and soul of the 1970's New York Yankees.

Virtually every surviving Munson jersey exemplar dates to the "knit era," as the Yankees would abandon flannels in 1973. We are aware of only two other flannels from the beloved Yankee catcher. This one was worn during a season that saw Munson make his first All-Star appearance, and as the American League served as the home team in the Tiger Stadium victory, it's possible that this uniform saw Midsummer Classic action. It's also noteworthy that the jersey has been photo matched to a 1972 spring training image through pinstripe patterning at the shoulders and original "NY" over the heart. The original "15" on verso was removed for secondary use in the farm system as was standard operating procedure for years, now bearing a number "16" in its place (recalling another Yankees legend, Whitey Ford, though we do not believe this was done for him). The original stitching pattern of Munson's long-retired digits is still visible. Embroidered "Munson" swatch remains at interior tail, with "1971" similarly applied directly to the lower left front tail beneath a proper "Wilson [size] 42" label. Game wear is solid, but the garment exhibits none of the soiling, staining or moth damage common to ancient flannel. LOA from Resolution Photomatching. LOA from Heritage Auctions.