Yankee fans?

Question

Do you guys miss Thurman Munson as much as i do . I was not Born but i have heard many good things of him as the yankees captain. I wish i could of seen him play
LOOK AT THIS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVjI1K97kHA

Answer 1

Munson was a once in a lifetime kind of player. For his day he was a good hitter period. As a catcher he was one of the best to ever play. Wasn't until the recent wave of hitting catchers that any but a few were better or in same class with Munson. I personally rate Bench and Munson very closely. Munson carred the better BAs, was a more rounded hitter and light years better as a clutch hitter. Bench had more power and generally drove in more RBI. Bench had a better arm but Munson was better at blocking the plate, handling pitchers, getting out to field bunts and nobody in my lifetime was a better team leader than Munson.

That leadership is really what set's Munson so far above others of his time. Munson even in the Bronx zoo circus athmosphere was able to inspire player and fan alike. No player ever deserved the title of team captain more than Munson. He was a wizard at handling pitching and had the respect of nearly or every player he ever played with. He was tough as nails. A throw back to the likes of Yogi who'd play so banged up you almost expected him to use a cane to get out to the plate. A runner dared try to score with a throw coming in Munson made them pay for that outrage.

Munson was a great defensive catcher. Pudge is a better defensive catcher than Munson was, then again Pudge is the best I've seen play in my lifetime. Other than Pudge few players have rivaled Munson in the last 20 years defensively. Munson's only real weak spot was his arm was not a cannon, it was only a good arm with very good accuracy. Pudge is the only other player in my lifetime that could inspire players like Munson could. Munson handled many odd pitchers and a bizzare variety of pitchers, many whom have no equiv today. Pitchers rarely if ever shook off Munson's calls. They trusted him and for good reason.

One thing I greatly respect Munson for was he stood up for what he believed in and never backed away from a challenge. When ownership came down on him he grew a beard to flout the team rules as a protest. He stood up for fellow team mates when the press tried to crucify them. He made peace between often hot headed team mates and even sometimes managers. If there was a bench clearing brawl you could be sure to find Munson as one of the first out and last to be dragged away from the fight. Munson played back when Baseball players usually had to have winter jobs to make a decent living and the avg baseball player often made less than a carpenter. Munson was one of the few players involved in charitable organizations. He did it not for a tax break but because he cared. That's the kind of man he was.

Munson lived his convictions. He was a family man with deep devotion to his wife and children. He was a Yankee and bled pinstripes. He was a team mate who could always be counted on. Whether it was being a clutch hitter, a peacemaker or a warrior he was ready and able.

When it comes to the all time great catchers 3 names are ones that I always consdier the best. Yogi Berra, Pudge Rodriguez and Thurman Munson. I would take these guys over Bench, Cochrane and Campanella. The other 3 who constantly come up in any discussion of the all time best catchers ever. That was how good Munson was.

If Munson had lived he had the seeds of being a great manager as well as a great player. Sadly he never got the chance.

You missed seeing a true great both on and off the field. When people ask me what my favorite ball player of all time was I say without qualification Thurman Munson. He was why I chose the Yankees as my favorite team. Back when I was young I watched games rooting for teams randomly and the more often I saw Munson play the more impressed I was with him. Soon I made sure to catch all Yankee games even though at the time they were not doing well. I had no idea of Baseball history. I just respected the way Munson played the game. Still do. Baseball lost a true giant when Munson died.

Answer 2

My husband had an amazing encounter with Thurman Munson when he was about 12...We live in S.W. Kansas, and being lifelong Yankees fans,often means seeing the team in Kansas City. My husbands family went to see them play there, and arrived early, hoping to snap some pictures of the players warming up. My husband was a catcher in little league, so was really interested in seeing Mr. Munson. Well, another fan, an adult, apparently pushed my husband out of the way as he tried to snap a picture, and Mr. Munson had seen it happen. Mr. Munson went over to this 12 year old boy and offered to toss a couple of balls with him. So, my husband got to play a little catch with Thurman Munson, and got a little advise on being a catcher. What a great guy, to take time to talk to a kid...not to mention to toss a couple of balls with him. He really was something special. Thanks for the video link!!!

Answer 3

It sucks that Munson passed away. He was a great catcher and a tough player. The Yankees and the fans were lucky to have him. I wished I could have seen him play as well. R.I.P. Munson (1947-1979).

Answer 4

I don't miss him personally, but I know someone who does. My father. He adored him, he would tell me stories about the Thurman Munson and Carleton Fisk rivalry. Carelton Fisk was the catcher of the Red Sox in the 70's. They both gave new meaning to the Red Sox/Yankee rivalry. Jorge Posada, and Jason Varitek, don't get along to well. But my dad said these guys would go at it in public. Years later, my father said he heard Carleton Fisk on a talk show. They were talking about Thurman Munson, Carleton said baseball was never the same to him, after Thurman died. He said he really missed the guy.

Answer 5

Yup, made me want to be a catcher(despite being left-handed). I actually did see him play, both live and on TV(ahh I miss the WPIX 11 days with Scooter and Bill White.). I went to my first Yankee game in about 78 when I was 5. I still remember that day in 1979 also, nothing like the image of Reggie Jackson crying profusely in right field before the game. Oh yeah on those occasions I play on softball teams I try to use number 15.

Answer 6

I am 50 and grew up in NJ and could see many Yankee and Mets games as a kid. You are right he was an amazing player. He had a presence on the field and could change the attitude of the game.

I remember the night he died and remember the sadness in NYC area.

But to answer your question he was teriffic.

We could go to games for $4 you know. We could take a bus from Jersey to NYC for $1.15 cents Hot dogs and soda was may $1 Those were the days.

Answer 7

I miss him very much. He was on his way to be an easy induction to the Hall Of Fame when he died. He was a very good captain to the Yankees as well as an awesome player.

Answer 8

4 me it's Jeter all the way. I wasn't alive when Munson played so I can't say that I miss him.

Answer 9

The man was a fierce competitor and he was always fun to watch. It was a very sad day when he died young.

Answer 10

i don't really....i wasn't around when he played so i don't have the full effect as someone that was (around) but of course i would like to have him still alive.