Fantastic blog. This is one of my favorites you have written. I remember this day so well. I went on a job interview and broke down during the meeting with the man who became my boss. He asked was I OK. I apologized stating Thurman Munson was just killed in a plane crash. With that being said I pulled myself together and the job was mine. I have to say you have met some outstanding people throughout your life and created special memories. Excellent read about a man who left us way too early. So enjoyed this!!!
Two things I’ve noticed about Thurman watching old footage of him:
1) He called all the pitches — every single one. Martin and Lemon trusted him enough to do that. (Now of course, the pitches come from the dugout, or (gasp) the front office.)
2) When he was at the plate, you could swear he was whacking weeds, his approach was so fluid. He’d take a couple practice swings — half-hearted one-handed semicircles — and then in one motion whack the ball, usually spraying a line-drive anywhere around the field. He batted .373 in the 1976 World Series as the rest of his teammates were swept by the Reds, and was seriously considered to be the MVP *on a losing team*.
3) Dave Anderson (the Pulitzer-Prize–winning NYTimes sports columnist [back when the Times had a sports section]) had a great column about Munson’s funeral — specifically about one visitor. He was Thurman’s dad, who unceremoniously walked out on his mom, just stricken with a stroke, several years prior. Before that, he was hardly home. Diane swears (and Thurman agreed) that the one good thing from that experience was her husband’s absolute conviction to not be like him, and his insistence on being able to fly to Canton during off-days to see her and their kids. Anderson, in dry prose, described in clear-cut detail how his dad clearly never changed from the slimy shyster we imagined him to be:
4) Despite appearances — and a terribly rocky start stemming from Jackson’s odd Sport Magazine interview — Reggie Jackson and Munson grew closer as their time together progressed. There’s a reason Diane requested that four telegrams, out of the hundreds sent to her, be read at the eulogy: those from Lou Piniella’s wife, Muhammed Ali, Lou Gehrig’s widow, and … Reggie Jackson.
I’ll always remember Munson as a great memory, one of the great Yankee catchers. Those include Bill Dickey (I took my kids to see him at an Old Timer’s Day—he was in a wheelchair)), Yogi Berra (of course), Elston Howard, Munson and Jorge Posada. But Munson was one of a kind. What I remember about him most was how his batting average in 1977, when I was back in the States during the season, was about 50 points higher with runners in scoring position.
I usually follow who’s going in, and did all the years I lived outside. I thought he was in. Or more correctly, I just assumed he was. How could he not be?
I certainly don't mind reruns, when they are well written. And yes, Thurman Munson belongs in the Hall of Fame. If I am not mistaken, I believe I watched Munson hit an inside the park home run at the original Yankee Stadium in 1972 on college and high school sports editors day. A catcher doing that was pretty rare back in the day.
Well played Mr. Lewis: Thurman Munson did hit an inside-the-park home run in 1972. On June 16, 1972, against the Detroit Tigers, Munson hit a ball that went all the way to the center field wall and bounced back. He circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run
Roy, every Sunday I always look firwars to reading your blog. This article was very heartfelt and remember that day so vividly. It so transparent that little 10 year old boy dreams came true. Amazing the determination and perseverance you endured, you lived life that was adventurous and never dull. The old cliche’ you were stronger than most and a very courageous young man. Thank you always for sharing your adventure and fond memories. Roy Berger legacy lives on … looking forward for your next blog. This was a fantastic blog
Roy, you capture the love and fantasy that a little boy had for baseball so well. Growing up in Chicago I remember the first time my dad brought me to Comiskey Park. My eyes opened wide when for the first time, I saw the beautiful green field, the huge scoreboard that would shoot fireworks for every White Sox home run, and the players in their cool uniforms. Life was as grand as it could be for a little boy. God was smiling down on me if I was lucky enough to have the game go into extra innings....Those Chicago Cubs where my mythical idols that rivaled Zeus and Poseidon. Roy, thanks for bringing back the pinnacle of wonderful childhood memories.
Fantastic blog. This is one of my favorites you have written. I remember this day so well. I went on a job interview and broke down during the meeting with the man who became my boss. He asked was I OK. I apologized stating Thurman Munson was just killed in a plane crash. With that being said I pulled myself together and the job was mine. I have to say you have met some outstanding people throughout your life and created special memories. Excellent read about a man who left us way too early. So enjoyed this!!!
Wow- I guess one personal recollection begets another. What a story!
Two things I’ve noticed about Thurman watching old footage of him:
1) He called all the pitches — every single one. Martin and Lemon trusted him enough to do that. (Now of course, the pitches come from the dugout, or (gasp) the front office.)
2) When he was at the plate, you could swear he was whacking weeds, his approach was so fluid. He’d take a couple practice swings — half-hearted one-handed semicircles — and then in one motion whack the ball, usually spraying a line-drive anywhere around the field. He batted .373 in the 1976 World Series as the rest of his teammates were swept by the Reds, and was seriously considered to be the MVP *on a losing team*.
3) Dave Anderson (the Pulitzer-Prize–winning NYTimes sports columnist [back when the Times had a sports section]) had a great column about Munson’s funeral — specifically about one visitor. He was Thurman’s dad, who unceremoniously walked out on his mom, just stricken with a stroke, several years prior. Before that, he was hardly home. Diane swears (and Thurman agreed) that the one good thing from that experience was her husband’s absolute conviction to not be like him, and his insistence on being able to fly to Canton during off-days to see her and their kids. Anderson, in dry prose, described in clear-cut detail how his dad clearly never changed from the slimy shyster we imagined him to be:
https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/07/archives/the-man-in-the-white-shirt-sports-of-the-times.html?unlocked_article_code=1.cU8.SRv7.htgjyH8jfmVx&smid=url-share
4) Despite appearances — and a terribly rocky start stemming from Jackson’s odd Sport Magazine interview — Reggie Jackson and Munson grew closer as their time together progressed. There’s a reason Diane requested that four telegrams, out of the hundreds sent to her, be read at the eulogy: those from Lou Piniella’s wife, Muhammed Ali, Lou Gehrig’s widow, and … Reggie Jackson.
Great stuff. Thx for the note.
Simply the best. Man, can that kid write!
I’ll always remember Munson as a great memory, one of the great Yankee catchers. Those include Bill Dickey (I took my kids to see him at an Old Timer’s Day—he was in a wheelchair)), Yogi Berra (of course), Elston Howard, Munson and Jorge Posada. But Munson was one of a kind. What I remember about him most was how his batting average in 1977, when I was back in the States during the season, was about 50 points higher with runners in scoring position.
Geo- How is he not in the Hall?
I usually follow who’s going in, and did all the years I lived outside. I thought he was in. Or more correctly, I just assumed he was. How could he not be?
I certainly don't mind reruns, when they are well written. And yes, Thurman Munson belongs in the Hall of Fame. If I am not mistaken, I believe I watched Munson hit an inside the park home run at the original Yankee Stadium in 1972 on college and high school sports editors day. A catcher doing that was pretty rare back in the day.
Well played Mr. Lewis: Thurman Munson did hit an inside-the-park home run in 1972. On June 16, 1972, against the Detroit Tigers, Munson hit a ball that went all the way to the center field wall and bounced back. He circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run
Great memory on your part!
BTW, did not know you had a relationship with Thuram. Pretty, pretty, pretty cool.
Don’t ever mistake a google search for a great memory!
Roy, every Sunday I always look firwars to reading your blog. This article was very heartfelt and remember that day so vividly. It so transparent that little 10 year old boy dreams came true. Amazing the determination and perseverance you endured, you lived life that was adventurous and never dull. The old cliche’ you were stronger than most and a very courageous young man. Thank you always for sharing your adventure and fond memories. Roy Berger legacy lives on … looking forward for your next blog. This was a fantastic blog
Thank you Mary, so very kind.
Fabulous commentary to a Munson fan.
Roy, you capture the love and fantasy that a little boy had for baseball so well. Growing up in Chicago I remember the first time my dad brought me to Comiskey Park. My eyes opened wide when for the first time, I saw the beautiful green field, the huge scoreboard that would shoot fireworks for every White Sox home run, and the players in their cool uniforms. Life was as grand as it could be for a little boy. God was smiling down on me if I was lucky enough to have the game go into extra innings....Those Chicago Cubs where my mythical idols that rivaled Zeus and Poseidon. Roy, thanks for bringing back the pinnacle of wonderful childhood memories.
Great memory Scribe! Always enjoyable!😎⚾️⚾️
Roy, Munson was my favorite Yankee before Derek Jeter. Your 2018 tribute captured his essence. Thank you!