Auction Item Details
Lot 62
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Lot Number: 62
Description: 1975 Thurman Munson Gold Glove award. Rare 1975 Thurman Munson Gold Glove Award. While Thurman Munson's accolades and accomplishments are often in relation to his clutch hitting and clubhouse leadership, defensive play was never a liability for Thurman. Along with Carlton Fisk and Johnny Bench, Thurman Munson was regarded as one of the finest defensive backstops of his era. Munson's impressive career defensive statistics clearly illustrate his prowess behind the plate in an everyday role for eleven years: .982 lifetime fielding percentage, 6253 putouts, and only 127 errors in nearly 1,300 career games. One of the legendary stories relating to Thurman's defensive career occurred during the 1971 season, in which he committed only one single error. As unbelievable as the statistic is, this error was not executed on a routine passed ball or errant throw, but because a runner knocked Thurman unconscious at home plate dislodging the ball. Munson was bestowed with the pinnacle of defensive accolades, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, for three consecutive American League seasons, from 1973 through 1975. The offered award dates to the 1975 season with the award itself measuring an imposing 16" tall by 18" long. Wooden plinth style trophy base features applied brass placards with image of Munson and titling having crossed bat supports holding two gold painted baseballs. Trademark Rawlings gold painted "Major League" model catcher's mitt resides in the center. The award remains in superlative original condition with minimal age or surface wear. Hunt Auctions was honored to conduct the Thurman Munson Collection auction on behalf of the Munson family in 2008. This particular specimen was retained by the family and now joins his 1974 Gold Glove award (sold in 2008) as the only two examples having entered the marketplace. Very significant award from one of the most revered players of the 1970s era originating directly from Munson's personal collection. Includes letter of provenance from Diana Munson: NMEstimated Price Range: ($50,000-$75,000)
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