Thurman Munson
NY Yankees Captain, 1976 AL MVP, 7x All-Star · Baseball - MLB
New York Yankees
Era
Circa 1978-1979
Item Type
Team-Signed Baseball
Condition
Fair/Good; signature is faded/ghosted but legible; ball shows toning/yellowing.
Rarity
Very high; Munson autographs are scarce due to his tragic death in 1979 while still active.
Overall Assessment
A highly desirable 1970s Yankees ball featuring the elusive signature of Thurman Munson.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (Confidence Level: 90%)
Signature Style
Cursive script with the signature 'M' loop, consistent with late-1970s rapid-signing style.
Signature Characteristics
Flowing cursive, specific letter slants, consistent pen pressure on several Yankees signatures.
Ink & Medium
Early ballpoint/felt-tip blend reflecting aging of 1970s ink on leather.
Item Description
New York Yankees team-signed baseball including Thurman Munson, Jim Beattie, and Ken Davis.
Estimated Value
$1,200 - $2,500 (Heavily dependent on authentication of the Munson signature)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches known 1978/79 team balls; Jim Beattie and Ken Davis signatures provide context.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinct 'loop-back' on the M and the specific legibility of the 'unson'.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; signatures show natural aging and period-correct ink.
Provenance Notes
Requires documentation linking it to the 1978 World Series era Yankees.
Historical Context
Munson was the heart of the 1970s Yankees dynasty before his death in a 1979 plane crash.
Market Trends
Munson values have remained very strong; high demand among Yankee collectors.
Investment Potential
Excellent; Munson is a legendary figure whose supply of autographs is forever capped.
Similar Autographs
Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected cube; avoid direct light to prevent further fading of the signatures.
Interesting Facts
Munson was the first Yankees captain named since Lou Gehrig.