Auction Item Details
Lot 101
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Lot Number: 101
Description: New York Yankees batting helmet attributed to Thurman Munson c.1975. Professional model New York Yankees batting helmet was obtained directly by the father of the consignor during the second game of a double header played at Comiskey Park in Chicago between the Yankees and White Sox in the mid to late 1970s. According to the consignor, his mother and father were seated in the first row of seats on the field level between the visitors dugout (Yankees) and home plate on the third base line. Munson had struck out several times in Game 1 and had grown rather surly. Upon striking out again in Game 2, he angrily removed this helmet on his way back toward the dugout and hurled it toward the Yankees on-deck circle. The helmet skidded and bounced up and over the wall, landing in the lap of the consignor's father and the helmet has remained within the family as a treasured heirloom ever since. Manufactured by the American Baseball Cap company, fiberglass helmet has the manufacturer's sticker on the interior noting size "7". An additional sticker from the KM Pro Cap Co. is present as well. MunsonÆs number "15" is written in period black marker on the top interior pad, showing appropriate shadowing from age, wear and sweat. It is important to note that Hunt Auctions recently sold the majority of Thurman Munson's personal memorabilia collection on behalf of the Munson estate in the July, 2008 MLB Live Auction at DHL All-Star FanFest with the balance of the collection being offered in this auction. Numerous Munson game used items and other personal effects from the Munson collection, including bats, cleats, undershirts, batting gloves, travel suitcases, and most notably Munson's Yankees cap were similarly marked with his number "15" in what we believe to be the same hand as this helmet. The exterior shell of the helmet shows extensive wear with scuffing throughout the black painted surface, and exhibits cracks at the back, left, and front next to the original painted on "NY" logo. There is a chip to the front of the brim as well. The helmet retains excellent display quality and exudes the aura of the rough and tumble Yankees Captain with the heart of gold. Batting helmets are among the scarcest and most difficult pieces of game used equipment to obtain. This is a rare and important Munson artifact that has never before been offered publicly. Includes a family letter of provenance and LOA from Hunt Auctions: EX
Estimated Price: ($15,000.00-$20,000.00)
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