25 Facts about Thurman Munson, All-Star Catcher for the New York Yankees

In doing some research about the most valuable cards of the 1970's, it was amazing to see that Thurman Munson's second year card was worth $200,000 in a PSA 9 condition.

Here are 25 amazing facts about Thurman Munson:

1. Thurman Munson was born on June 7, 1947, in Akron, Ohio. He grew up playing baseball and showed exceptional talent from a young age.

2. Munson attended Kent State University, where he played college baseball as a catcher. He was named an All-American and helped lead the team to the College World Series in 1968.

3. He was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1968 MLB Draft, as the fourth overall pick.

4. Munson made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees on August 8, 1969, at the age of 22.

5. In 1970, Munson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award, becoming the first Yankees player to receive the honor since Tony Kubek in 1957.

6. He played his entire 11-year career with the New York Yankees, from 1969 to 1979.

7. Munson was known for his exceptional defensive skills as a catcher. He won three Gold Glove Awards in 1973, 1974, and 1975.

8. He was a seven-time All-Star, making the team in 1971, 1973-1976, and 1978-1979. Munson was the starting catcher for the American League in the All-Star Game six times.

9. In 1976, Munson won the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. He batted .302 with 17 home runs and 105 RBIs that season, leading the Yankees to the postseason.

10. Munson was known for his leadership and toughness on the field. He was named the captain of the New York Yankees in 1976, becoming the team's first captain since Lou Gehrig.

11. He helped lead the Yankees to three consecutive World Series appearances in 1976, 1977, and 1978.

12. In the 1976 World Series, Munson had an outstanding performance, hitting .529 with one home run and three RBIs. He was named the World Series MVP despite the Yankees losing to the Cincinnati Reds.

13. Munson was the heart and soul of the Yankees during the 1970s, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans.

14. He was known for his intense work ethic and dedication to the game. Munson was often the first to arrive at the ballpark and was known for his meticulous preparation.

15. Off the field, Munson was a skilled pilot and owned a private plane. Unfortunately, he tragically died in a plane crash on August 2, 1979, at the age of 32.

16. Munson's death shocked the baseball world, and his loss was deeply felt by the Yankees organization and fans. The team retired his number 15, and he was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

17. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest catchers in Yankees history. Munson's impact on the game was recognized by his induction into the Yankees' Monument Park in 1980.

18. Munson had a career batting average of .292, with 113 home runs and 701 RBIs in 1,423 games.

19. He was known for his clutch hitting, particularly in postseason play. In 30 playoff games, Munson had a .357 batting average with three home runs and 22 RBIs.

20. Munson was known for his rivalry with Carlton Fisk, the star catcher for the Boston Red Sox. Their battles on the field were highly anticipated and added excitement to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.

21. He had a reputation for being a tough competitor and was known for his collisions at the plate with baserunners trying to score.

22. Munson's intensity and fierce competitive spirit sometimes led to clashes with umpires, but he was widely respected for his passion for the game.

23. He was known for his ability to handle pitchers and was highly regarded for his game-calling skills.

24. Munson's impact extended beyond his playing career. His tragic death raised awareness about the importance of seatbelt usage and pilot safety.

25. Thurman Munson's memory and legacy continue to live on in the hearts of Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts. His contributions to the game and his lasting impact on the New York Yankees organization are remembered and celebrated to this day.

If you are looking for an often over-looked card it just might be this 1971 Thurman Munson second year card.