Thurman Munson autographs and memorabilia prices are Hall of Fame worthy. By Tom Morgan
Thurman Munson Game Worn Helmet
Tom Morgan
Thurman Munson should be in the Hall of Fame.
Munson played with the Yankees from 1969-1979. During his time as a catcher with the Yankees, Munson earned American League Rookie of the Year honors in 1971 and was named the AL Most Valuable Player in 1976. He batted over .300 five different seasons.
A career .292 hitter, Munson was a seven-time All-Star and won three Gold Gloves. He led the Yankees to World Series championships in 1977 and 1978. New York did not win another title until 1996.
Munson served as captain of the Yankees from 1976 until his death in a plane crash August 2, 1979. I’m sure he loses Hall of Fame votes because his career was shortened, but Roy Campanella also had his career shortened after being paralyzed in a car crash, and Campanella is in the Hall. Campy had more power than Munson, but Thurman had a higher career batting average .292-.276.
While Munson isn’t in the Hall of Fame, his autograph and memorabilia prices rival and even exceed many of those who are in the Hall.
Munson single signed photos typically sell in the $1500-$2000 range. Hunt Auctions recently sold many pieces of Thurman Munson memorabilia. A batting helmet used by Munson in 1975 sold for $21,000. A 1978 Munson road jersey was bid up to $20,000. Hunt is currently auctioning a Thurman Munson single signed baseball. This high grade ball is signed on a side panel, "To Danny Best Wishes Thurman Munson" in blue ink. Signature and salutation rate 8/9 out of 10 on a near white to white "Official League" baseball. Even though this item is personalized, Hunt Auctions still estimate a final price of $3500-$4500 for this ball.
Last week one of my customers showed me a Yankees team signed ball which he claims was given to his mother the day before Munson’s fatal plane crash. That ball will probably sell for over $1000.
I collect Hall of Fame autographs, and to me, my collection wouldn’t be complete without a Thurman Munson signed item.
TORONTO, Ont.----I've always warmed to the idea of global baseball, which is one reason I made a 48-hour trip to Toronto to see the U.S.A. take on Canada and then hang around the Rogers Centre to watch Venezuela beat up on Little Italy. [And yes, referring to my previous blog, my passport did arrive by Fed Ex.] The set up to the WBC (World Baseball Classic) reminded me of when I covered the '91 NBA champion Bulls for the Sun-Times. Most of the media griped about the WBC just as many journalists did while on the road to the first of the Bulls many magical seasons. But the fans loved the game. The USA's thrilling 6-5 win over Canada Saturday afternoon was a classic across the board. The game was played before 42,314 people, regarded as the largest crowd to watch a baseball game in Ontario.........
Most people know what a great hitter Babe Ruth was. Not everyone knows he was also a great pitcher early in his career. Babe had a pitching record of 94 wins and 46 losses, with an ERA of 2.28. Before Whitey Ford broke his record in 1961, Ruth also held the record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched in World Series games. 1961 wasn't the greatest year for the Bambino, as Roger Maris also broke his single season home run record that year.
Naperville resident Peter Kelly grew up in New York. When he was 12 years old, Peter and his Cub Scout Troop were lucky enough to be invited to The Babe Ruth Radio show. While at the studio, before the show started, Peter asked The Babe "how do 10 batters reach base in one inning, and not one man scores?" Babe was stumped, so Peter responded "it was a women's team!" Babe thought it was funny, and they used Peter's question on the show.
Babe also signed a baseball for Peter that day. According to Peter, the ball is pretty scuffed up, because his brother often played with it. (I'm sure Peter never did). I'm selling the ball on consignment for Peter. On a scale of 1-10, the ball grades about a 2, and the autograph about a 4. A buyer has agreed to purchase the ball for $4500. The ball would be worth much more in nicer condition, but there is a great demand for Ruth single signed baseballs in any condition. As kind of an insurance policy for both me and the buyer, I'll have psa/dna authenticate the ball before any money actually changes hands. Many of his records may be broken, but the demand for Babe Ruth cards and memorabilia is as strong or stronger than ever.
Click on the link below to hear a tape of one of Babe Ruth's radio shows...
During the 2008 baseball season, Cub Killer Joey Votto hit .386, with 6 home runs and 16 rbi's in only 44 official at bats against the Cubs. After watching Votto go 2 for 2 with a home run in 2 at bats for Canada versus Peavy during the World Baseball Classic, can there be any question? The Cubs will trade for Peavy. The real question is, Will Peavy be the next Ernie Broglio?
Both pitchers were succesful before joining the Cubs. Broglio was 28 years old when the Cubs traded for him. Peavy will turn 28 on May 31. Look for the Cubs to pick him up around June 1. Peavy can't fall apart as much as Broglio after the Cubs get him, can he? Can he? Since I'm looking at statistics, check out how Lou Brock's stats jumped after he went to the Cardinals for Broglio in 1964.
It would be hard to find a bigger improvement from a player after being traded during a season than Lou Brock in 1964. I think Red Schoendienst was the Cardinals hitting coach in 1964. He had a hall of fame playing career, and later went on to manage the Cardinals. No wonder there is a statue of Schoendienst outside Busch stadium in St. Louis. What budding star will the Cubs include in the trade for Peavy? Luckily for the Cubs, Felix Pie is already gone.
Check out this great looking Lou Brock autographed card on my tcrowntom ebay seller id... Lou Brock Cubs 2005 UD Hall of Fame Auto Jersey #1/1 On ebay, item #130291587578, ends Sunday, March 15. Click on the title to go directly to ebay and see the item.
