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70. Thurman Munson

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70.  Thurman Munson
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: June 7, 1947 in Akron, OH USA
  • Weight: 190 lbs.
  • Height: 5'11"
  • Bats: R
  • Throws: R
  • Debut: August 08, 1969
  • Final Game: August 01, 1979
  • Rookie of the Year - 1970
  • Gold Glove - 1973
  • TSN All-Star - 1973
  • Gold Glove - 1974
  • TSN All-Star - 1974
  • Gold Glove - 1975
  • TSN All-Star - 1975
  • Most Valuable Player - 1976
  • TSN All-Star - 1976
  • TSN Player of the Year - 1976
  • MVP - 1970
  • MVP - 1973
  • MVP - 1974
  • MVP - 1975
  • MVP - 1976
  • MVP - 1977
  • MVP - 1978
  • Rookie of the Year - 1970
 
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What more would Thurman Munson have accomplished had he not been killed in a plane crash on August 2, 1979?  We will never know but prior to his untimely death, Munson’s accomplishments on the diamond were already sizable.

Thurman Munson was a leader on the field, the clubhouse, and everywhere else in life.  He broke through in the Majors in 1970 and won the coveted Rookie of the Year and cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with in the catcher’s position for the decade.  For a catcher, he hit the ball well and consistently provided a solid Batting Average, and showed moderate power numbers.  Munson was a perennial All-Star and even won the MVP in 1976.  He was known early in his career for his quick release and he was very difficult to steal on.  In each of his six Post Season series, he never batted below .300, thus showing his ability to come through when his team needed him the most.

Had Munson not perished, would he have racked up career milestones that would have made it hard for the Hall to ignore?  It is possible, but Munson did not have a high On Base Percentage, nor was he really more than a singles hitter.  His main asset though was his leadership and his ability to make those around him better.  This should trump a few walks and doubles on most days.

Should Thurman Munson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75.8%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 7.6%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 5.3%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Akron, Ohio, U.S.A.
  • Eligible In: Thursday, 01 January 1981
  • Position: Catcher
  • Played For: New York Yankees
  • Major Accolades and Awards: World Series Rings (2) (AL) (New York Yankees, 1977 & 1978)
    MVP (1) (AL) (1978)
    All-Star (7) (1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 & 1978)
    Rookie of the Year (AL) (1970)
    Gold Glove (3) (AL) (1973, 1974 & 1975)
    Most Singles (1) (AL) (1975)
    Most Assists by a Catcher (3) (AL) (1970, 1973 & 1974)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Catcher (2) (AL) (1973 & 1975)
    Highest Caught Stealing Percentage (2) (AL) (1971 & 1975)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a Catcher (1) (AL) (1975)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Catcher (1) (AL) (1971)
  • Other Points of Note: Other Top Ten MVP Finishes (Won the 1976 AL MVP)
    (AL: 1975, 7th) & (AL: 1977, 7th)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Position Players)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Offensive bWAR)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Batting Average)
    1 Top Ten Finish (On Base Percentage)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Slugging Percentage)
    1 Top Ten Finish (OPS)
    1 Top Ten Finish (OPS+)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Most Hits)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Total Bases)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Doubles)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Runs Batted In)
    5 Top Ten Finsihes (Singles)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Power-Speed #)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Position Players)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Win Probability Added)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probabilty Added)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 41. Total Zone Runs by a Catcher
    81. Putouts by a Catcher: 6,253
    90. Double Plays Turned by a Catcher: 82
    91. Assists by a Catcher: 742
    92. Runners Caught Stealing: 427
  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame: 1981: 15.5
    1982: 6.3
    1983: 4.8
    1984: 7.1
    1985: 8.1
    1986: 8.2
    1987: 6.8
    1988: 7.5
    1989: 6.9
    1990: 7.4
    1991: 6.3
    1992: 7.4
    1993: 9.5
    1994: 6.8
    1995: 6.5
  • Should be Inducted As A: New York Yankee

Should Thurman Munson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75.8%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 7.6%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 5.3%

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