Auction Item Details
Lot 63
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Lot Number: 63
Description: Significant Thurman Munson 1978 ALCS Game 3 Winning Home Run attributed professional model baseball bat (PSA -GU 10+). Adirondack 302 model bat with Munson+s name block lettered into the barrel measures 35+ long and weighs 31.4oz. Model number -259A+ has been factory stamped in the knob and the bat is uncracked with evident usage wear including ball and stitch marks. Cleat marks and a light coat of pine tar are player specific characteristics and highly desirable traits on a Munson game bat. An included letter of provenance relays that the bat was given by Munson to a family friend, Lester, who had been diagnosed with lymphoma and was then confined to a hospital bed. During an October 6, 1978 phone call Munson asked Lester if a homerun would help to ease his suffering; -Of course+ came the reply. In the bottom of the 8th inning that night at Yankee Stadium Thurman stepped up to the plate and hit a game winning homerun which kept the Yankees season alive and advanced them to the final and deciding game four. The (475) foot shot is said to have been the longest homerun of his career and cleared Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Once back in Canton, Ohio Munson visited and presented Lester with the bat he had used which has remained within his family until this time. A review of game footage asserts that an Adirondack bat was used (blue ring can be seen) and a letter from Diana Munson confirms the friendship that Lester and Thurman shared. An outstanding piece of Yankee history and offered for the first time at public auction. Includes LOAs from PSA/DNA (-GU 10+) and Hunt Auctions and letters of provenance from Diana Munson and the family of the original recipient: EXEstimated Price Range: ($15,000-$25,000)
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