1969 Tom Tresh/Thurman Munson Rookie NY Yankees Game-Used Home Uniform

Thurman Munson’s Early Yankees Jersey: A Piece of Baseball History

A Legendary Career Cut Short

Thurman Munson, a name synonymous with excellence and leadership in baseball, was a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion. As the first New York Yankees captain since Lou Gehrig, Munson’s legacy is etched in the annals of baseball history. His accolades include the American League Rookie of the Year and AL MVP, with his iconic No. 15 jersey retired by the Yankees. Tragically, Munson’s life was cut short in a plane crash in 1979, leaving behind a legacy of greatness and a collection of cherished memorabilia.

A Rare and Remarkable Jersey

Presented here is likely one of Thurman Munson’s first Yankees jerseys, a piece that carries both historical and emotional significance. This jersey was sourced from a New York police officer, to whom Munson personally gifted it, as conveyed by our consignor. The front left tail features the Spalding manufacturer’s tag, accompanied by a box tag indicating the size “44”. Below, the year “67” is embroidered, alongside a tag with washing instructions and a flag tag reading “SET 1 1967”. Inside the rear collar, a strip tag bears the player name “Tresh”, with the player number “15” and additional notations in heavily faded marker.

Distinctive Features and Historical Context

• Iconic Design: The jersey showcases the Yankees’ interlocking “NY” logo on the left chest and the player number “15” on the back, all in navy blue felt.
• Historical Patch: The MLB “100th ANNIVERSARY” patch, added to the left sleeve in 1969, appears to have been originally added and later reinforced.
• Player Transition: Tom Tresh was traded from the Yankees on June 14th, 1969, to the Detroit Tigers, while Munson made his debut on August 8th, 1969. It was common for the Yankees to recycle jerseys for minor league call-ups, making this likely one of Munson’s first, if not his first, pinstripe jerseys with the Yankees.

The jersey aligns well with Munson’s 1970 Topps rookie card, further enhancing its authenticity and value. Inside the waistband of the accompanying pants, the Spalding manufacturer’s tag indicates size “36”, with a strip tag reading “Burbach 50 69 36 27” and a flag tag reading “SET 1 1969”. The player number “15” is handwritten inside the waistband in black marker. Completing this ensemble is a pair of socks, adding to the completeness of this historic uniform.

A Testament to Munson’s Legacy

This uniform is properly tagged, presented to us as game-used, and in our opinion, shows excellent multi-player use. It is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from the family of the NY police officer who received the uniform from Munson. This piece is not just a jersey; it is a fragment of baseball history, a testament to Thurman Munson’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game.

Explore more about this extraordinary piece of baseball memorabilia and other sports memorabilia at Grey Flannel Auctions. If you have your own piece of history, consider our consignment services or get an appraisal from our experts.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.