Auction Item Details
Lot 305
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Lot Number: 305
Description: Important 1978 Thurman Munson presentational New York Yankees World Series trophy. The Yankees franchise has seen eleven team captains, a relatively small figure by any measure. However, considering the number of potential team captains, which could include dozens of star and Hall of Fame caliber players, such as Mantle, DiMaggio, Ford, Berra, Jackson, and so on, the number eleven seems impossibly small. In 1935, Lou Gehrig assumed the role of captain for the New York Yankees. Gehrig was finally able to step out of the shadow of Babe Ruth, who departed after the 1934 season. Tragically, Gehrig relinquished the post after passing away in 1941, leaving a void that would go unfilled for thirty five seasons. Through all of the great Yankees teams of the 1940-60s, there would be no captain. Upon entering the 1976 season, Yankees principal owner, George Steinbrenner, decided that Thurman Munson would be named team captain, the first since Lou Gehrig. The announcement was confirmation of what peers and fans already knew, that the Yankees were Thurman's team. He was its leader. As if on cue, Munson immediately assumed the role, leading the Yankees to the 1976 AL Championship for the first time since 1962. Subsequently, Munson led the Yankees to two World Championships in both 1977 and 1978. Following the 1978 World Series, in which the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in what would be Munson's final World Championship, Thurman made a request of owner George Steinbrenner. As captain, Munson asked that a replica of the World Series trophy be made for his collection instead of a ring. Mr. Steinbrenner generously obliged and indicated that Thurman would also receive a ring, which he did. According to Diana Munson, a large packaged case arrived at the Munson's Ohio home in November of 1978. This "package" contained trophy itself, housed in a custom made travel case. Diana recalls that, "Thurman opened the case and saw the trophy which literally brought him to tears. He was so proud of the team's accomplishment and felt honored to be the captain. His appreciation for both the team and Mr. Steinbrenner could not be measured in words." The trophy itself stands a substantial 24" in height atop a custom made velvet lined plinth measuring 8" tall for a total display height of 32" and weighs an impressive 43 1/2 pounds. Exacting replica of the New York Yankees actual 1978 World Series trophy has (26) team flags surrounding a baseball (dated 1978), crown, and Yankees and Dodgers press pin facades. Brass band at the base reads "To Thurman Munson Captain of the 1978 World Champion New York Yankees". The names of all the team players, coaches, and front office staff are also impressed in black lettering on the brass band. The trophy remains in nearly pristine original condition having been carefully preserved by the Munson family. The lot includes the trophy's original handled carrying case with multiple locking latches along with its original L.G. Balfour Co. receipt dated 11/3/78 noting that the case itself cost over $400.00 to produce in 1978. While difficult to quantify the significance of the offered trophy, it is not unreasonable to claim that it is one of the most important of its type ever manufactured. Furthermore, with respect to size, visual display qualities, player significance, team affiliation, and provenance, it could be suggested that this trophy is in fact the finest of its type to have ever been offered publicly. Absolutely stunning baseball artifact which must been viewed in person to gain a full appreciation. Includes letter of provenance from Diana Munson: NM-MT
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