A Yankee Tragedy

1979

Yankee Tragedy

On August 2, 1979, catcher and Yankee captain Thurman Munson perished in a plane crash of his private plane in Akron, Ohio. He frequently used his plane to fly home as often as possible during the season. Munson was the heart and soul of the Yankees. So much so that he was elected as their first team captain since Lou Gehrig. He was in his eleventh season with the Yankees. His career included the Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP trophy, a Gold Glove award, and a seven time All Star, but more important to the Yankees was his leadership. His number 15 was retired immediately after his death, and his locker stood unused and eventually was moved to the Yankee Museum at Yankee Stadium. He built a reputation as tough and not afraid of the consequences. A well-known feud with Boston catcher Carlton Fisk occurred when Munson’s attempt to steal home resulted in an entanglement that exploded into a brawl between the two teams in 1973. An emotional tribute to Munson occurred in Cleveland, the first game following his death. The Yankees placed eight players at their position, minus the catcher, in a moment of silence. It was followed by an eight-minute standing ovation from the Cleveland audience.

The defending 1978 World Champions never recovered. They finished in fourth place in the American League East Division.