Auction Item Details
Lot 303
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Lot Number: 303
Description: Rare 1974 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 1974 season in which Munson was the starting catcher in the All-Star game. The award itself measures an imposing 16" tall by 18" long. Wooden pedestal style trophy base features applied brass placards with image of Munson and titling. Retains 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 fine original condition with the titled brass placard at the bottom showing some minor oxidation and having slightly lowered in stance in relation to the base. It is interesting to note that although nine players for each league were presented with Gold Glove awards, eight awards were created with fielder's gloves to every catcher's mitt, the latter of which are far rarer. Additionally, with regard to player quality, catching ability, and status within the history of the game, Thurman Munson's award may well be the pinnacle of catcher's Gold Gloves that one could attain. One of the most significant player Gold Glove awards to have entered the collecting marketplace from the personal collection of Thurman Munson. Includes letter of provenance from Diana Munson: EX-MT
Estimated Price: ($30,000.00-$40,000.00)
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