1973-75 Thurman Munson Game-Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 9 (with LOA from Batboy)

Thurman Munson may have had an on-again, off-again relationship with media and fans, but he’s among the most respected Yankees of all time. Two distinctions set him apart from the Yankee rank and file. In 1975, Munson was elevated to the station of team captain, a position not conferred since Lou Gehrig’s appointment. Second, and uniquely, when Munson was tragically claimed in a 1979 plane crash, his Yankee locker was reverently left empty – and remains so to this day. The gritty and sometimes confrontational Munson brandished this Hillerich & Bradsby model S44 bat (35″ and 32 ounces) during his prime, 1973-75. PSA/DNA bat authenticator, John Taube, tendered an assessment of pan style=”FONT-WEIGHT: bold”>GU 9 for this bat.

According to the PSA/DNA bat guide GU 9 translates: “Is one that exhibits all the qualities of a PSA/DNA GU 10 bat with the exception of full documentation. The bat in question must match available factory records, possess perfect player characteristics and exhibit medium to heavy use. It may also have 3rd party documentation. Slight cracks or minor repairs may be acceptable.”

This ash bat has certainly earned its lofty grade, given the extensive use it demonstrates. Ball marks pepper the barrel with marks on the right, left and back barrel. Cleat marks are also evenly dispersed throughout. The top and bottom barrel have a series of small holes of an undetermined explanation. Heavy pine tar is showcased on the handle, and blue bat rack marks appear near the trademark. A slight handle crack has been professionally repaired. “15” is written on the knob in red felt tip, where the model number is also stamped. This bat’s lineage traces to an Oakland A’s bat boy, and it’s attended by a letter signed by him so attesting its source. One of the finest Munson gamers ever offered, with decisive provenance.

100% Authentic Team, Psa Bats-John Taube

1979,Ball,Bat,Footwear,Game-Used,Letter,Signed,Yankees  John Taube,Thurman Munson

Auction End: 25-Feb-06  Post Views: 2365

Price; $0.00 – $0.00