1976 Thurman Munson NY Yankees Game-Used Catchers Mitt

Thurman Munson’s 1976 Rawlings Catcher’s Mitt: A Piece of Baseball History

A Glove with a Legacy

In the annals of baseball history, few players have left as indelible a mark as Thurman Munson, the revered Yankees Captain. In 1976, just three years before his untimely passing, Munson captured the American League MVP award and led the Yankees to the World Series. His performance that season was nothing short of spectacular, boasting a .302 batting average and 105 RBIs, all while commanding the field as a catcher. Munson’s illustrious career also includes being named the 1970 AL Rookie of the Year and earning seven All-Star selections. His legacy is immortalized with the retirement of his No. 15 by the Yankees.

The Heroic Final Moments

Even in his final moments, Munson’s heroism shone through. A survivor of the tragic plane crash that claimed Munson’s life credited him with saving lives by maintaining control of the aircraft until the very end. “Thurman flew that airplane to the last nanosecond. He kept it under control and brought us down. He never panicked. He saved our lives,” the survivor recounted, underscoring Munson’s bravery and composure.

The Rawlings RL-74 Catcher’s Mitt

This Rawlings professional model RL-74 catcher’s mitt is a testament to Munson’s remarkable career. Crafted from Rawlings’ top-grade tanned ‘Heart of the Hide’ leather, the glove features tanned rawhide laces and nylon stitching. Its ‘Wing Tip’ back, ‘Deep Well Pocket’, dual-laced palm hinge, and fleece-lined wrist strap exemplify the superior craftsmanship synonymous with Rawlings. The manufacturer’s labeling includes a standard Rawlings red wrist label and a lightly stamped Rawlings logo on the heel, below the RL-74 model number. Notably, two dots stamped under the ‘Wing Tip’ logo indicate that this glove was manufactured in 1976.

• Historical Significance: Used during Munson’s MVP season, a pivotal year in Yankees history.
• Iconic Player: Represents Thurman Munson, a Yankees legend and Hall of Fame candidate.
• Unique Provenance: Comes directly from the collection of Reggie Jackson, adding a layer of prestige.
• Condition and Story: Presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent wear, reflecting Munson’s dedication and skill.

A Collector’s Dream

This extraordinary glove is not just a piece of baseball memorabilia; it is a fragment of Thurman Munson’s enduring legacy. Accompanied by a signed photo of Reggie Jackson holding the glove and a letter from PSA/DNA, this artifact offers a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Yankees history. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate fan, this glove represents a rare chance to connect with the spirit of a true baseball icon.

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* This text was generated from the original auction listing.