New York Yankees History: Thurman Munson Dies in Plane Crash

During the 1970’s, Thurman Munson was not just one of the best catchers in baseball, but he was also the heart and soul of the New York Yankees. On this day in 1979, Munson lost his life when his plane crashed during a landing attempt.

During the 1970’s, when the New York Yankees were dominating the tabloids due to the battles between George Steinbrenner, Reggie Jackson and Billy Martin. Yet, through it all, was catcher Thurman Munson, firing back at all three while cementing himself as the heart and soul of the team. The sixth captain in Yankees history, there was no question as to his leadership and what he meant to the squad.

On this day in 1979, the Yankees lost that leadership and the heart of their team. Munson had flown back to his home in Canton on an off day, when he met a couple of friends at the airport. He ran a few touch and goes, landing and taking back off, with his friends before disaster struck. The plane came in short on the runway, leading Munson to attempt to throttle back up to remain in the air. The engines did not respond in time, as the plane crashed.

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While his friends were unharmed, the same could not be said for Munson. With the Yankees catcher unable to move, his friends attempted to get him out of the plane before being forced to abandon their attempts. Suffering from a broken neck and spinal damage from the impact, Munson died due to smoke inhalation at the age of 32.

The Yankees immediately retired his number 15 and set his locker aside. He also received a plaque in Monument Park, joining the ranks of the immortals that had played in the Bronx. His funeral, four days later, was attended by the entire team, ownership, and quite a few former teammates.

His early death cut short what may have been a Hall of Fame career. Munson had a .292/.346/.410 batting line, hitting 113 homers and 229 doubles. He was a seven time All Star, a three time Gold Glove winner, the Rookie of the Year in 1970 and the 1976 MVP. Had he been able to play another five years, Munson’s numbers, as well as his legacy with the Yankees, could have put him in Cooperstown.

There had also been signs that perhaps Munson did not have the safest of aircraft. His plane had the oxygen masks drop without reason once, and had engine troubles because the rotors were installed incorrectly. Even though he enjoyed flying, Munson should have heeded the warning signs and looked into a different plane.

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Instead, his career ended tragically, struck down when he was unable to escape his burning airplane. And on this day in 1979, the heart and soul of the New York Yankees died as well.