32 Years Ago Today

[Jaypers]

One of the greats.


Aug 02, 1979: Yankee tragedy in Ohio

Thurman Munson killed in plane crash

AKRON, OHIO - Thursday, August 2, 1979 was a rare day off for New York Yankee captain and catcher Thurman Munson. The Yankees played in Chicago against the White Sox the night before and wouldn't play again until Friday night in New York. Chicago's game would be Munson's last.

He headed home to Canton, Ohio after Wednesday night's game. Thursday afternoon Munson was practicing take-offs and landings at the Akron-Canton airport. He'd recently bought a twin engine Cessna Citation plane so he could get home to his wife and three children more easily. At 4:02pm, while making an approach to the runway the plane crashed about 1,000 short. An investigation determined the crash was due to pilot error.

Thurman Munson played 11 years for the Yankees. He was the starting catcher for ten of those. He was a seven time all-star who finished his career with a .292 batting average, 113 home runs and 701 RBI. Three times he drove in over 100 runs. His leadership was immeasurable.

•Also in the papers August 2, 1979 was the obscure mention of a former "fringe" ball player taking over as manager of the Chicago White Sox with the sudden resignation of Don Kessinger. The new rookie manager's name was Tony LaRussa.

http://www.todayinbaseball.com/cms/080210-munson

 

[alexs64]

One of the greats.


Aug 02, 1979: Yankee tragedy in Ohio

Thurman Munson killed in plane crash

AKRON, OHIO - Thursday, August 2, 1979 was a rare day off for New York Yankee captain and catcher Thurman Munson. The Yankees played in Chicago against the White Sox the night before and wouldn't play again until Friday night in New York. Chicago's game would be Munson's last.

He headed home to Canton, Ohio after Wednesday night's game. Thursday afternoon Munson was practicing take-offs and landings at the Akron-Canton airport. He'd recently bought a twin engine Cessna Citation plane so he could get home to his wife and three children more easily. At 4:02pm, while making an approach to the runway the plane crashed about 1,000 short. An investigation determined the crash was due to pilot error.

Thurman Munson played 11 years for the Yankees. He was the starting catcher for ten of those. He was a seven time all-star who finished his career with a .292 batting average, 113 home runs and 701 RBI. Three times he drove in over 100 runs. His leadership was immeasurable.

•Also in the papers August 2, 1979 was the obscure mention of a former "fringe" ball player taking over as manager of the Chicago White Sox with the sudden resignation of Don Kessinger. The new rookie manager's name was Tony LaRussa.

http://www.todayinbaseball.com/cms/080210-munson

What am I missing here? He was a rookie in 1970, he died in 1979, he would have had to play in 1968 and become the starter in 1969, right? Or am I all screwed up doing with my math skills?

 

[djrulz]

He had 26 games in 1969
full seasons from 1970 - 1978
And 98 games in 1979

 

[alexs64]

He had 26 games in 1969
full seasons from 1970 - 1978
And 98 games in 1979

So my math was screwed up. Thanks for the help man!

 

[scooter2374]

I remember this day like it was yesterday. The only 2 times in my life I've seen my Dad down and or crying was when Thurman crashed and when John Lennon was shot. Wasn't Bobby Murcer supposed to be with him in the plane?

 

[TNP777]

the Dodgers had lost the previous two World Series to New York, so in my 12-year-old brain the Yankees were the epitome of evil (guess that hasn't changed much :lol: ). When I heard the news about Munson on the evening news, I still teared up.

 

[djrulz]

I remember this day like it was yesterday. The only 2 times in my life I've seen my Dad down and or crying was when Thurman crashed and when John Lennon was shot. Wasn't Bobby Murcer supposed to be with him in the plane?

I think it was Lou Piniella that was supposed to go with him.