Welcome to Sports Throwback Thursday! We have a good one today because this will be Part 1 of two different classic stories to write about for Sports Throwback Thursday. Stay tuned for my next article. As for this one, we will take it back to 1979: Bobby Murcer’s tribute to Thurman Munson.
The Yankees returned to the field on August 6th, 1979. Four days prior, captain catcher Thurman Munson died in an airplane crash. The atmosphere in the stadium was cloudy. Fans and players were heartbroken over the death of their captain. It is one of the saddest moments in baseball history.
Bobby Murcer, a close friend of Munson, gave a eulogy at his funeral. On this same night, he found the strength to perform and uplift his team. It became his signature game as a Yankee. He single-handled won the game for the Yankees. They were trailing 4-0 against the Baltimore Orioles. Murcer drove in all five runs. Hit a 3-run homer in the 7th and a walk-off 2-run single in the 9th inning. He is a true inspiration and a great homage to his friend and teammate.
Bobby Murcer passed away in 2008, but god bless the man for the eulogy and for performing the way he did during a challenging and emotional time.
It’s been 43 years since Munson’s passing, and the Yankee community will never forget this day and his impact as a pinstripe.