Thurman Munson

Thurman Lee Munson (June 7, 1947 – August 2, 1979) was an American professional baseball catcher who played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees, from 1969 until his death in 1979. Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the fourth pick of the 1968 MLB draft and was named the catcher on the 1968 College Baseball All-American Team. He hit over .300 in his two minor-league seasons, establishing himself as a top prospect.

Munson became the Yankees' starting catcher late in the 1969 season. After his first complete season in 1970, in which he batted .302, he was voted American League Rookie of the Year. Known for his outstanding fielding, he won the Gold Glove Award in three consecutive years from 1973 to 1975. A seven-time All-Star, he compiled a career batting average of .292 with 113 home runs and 701 runs batted in.

Considered the heart and soul of the team, Munson was named Yankees captain in 1976, the club's first since Lou Gehrig, and won the AL Most Valuable Player Award that same season. As captain, he helped lead the Yankees to three consecutive World Series appearances from 1976 to 1978, winning championships. He played his entire career with the Yankees until his death in 1979.