1975 Profile: Thurman Munson

1975 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"A rugged catcher. Respect for him around the league is such that he won his second consecutive Gold Glove award despite a staggering total of 22 errors last season. The errors were largely the result of a sore throwing arm that hampered him throughout the season.
'I don't care if he doesn't throw anybody out, I want him behind the plate when I'm pitching,' says Pat Dobson. 'He's the best there is at calling a game.' His swing also hindered, Munson had a disappointing season at the plate with a .261 average and 13 homers.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Thurman was a College All-America receiver at Kent State. He was AL Rookie of the Year in 1970 and is a three-time All-Star.
His fierce competitive instincts are set in a hard, round shell. Thurman's teammates call him Turtle for his build. He has outstanding speed for a catcher and remarkable reflexes."

-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1975 Edition

"Recognized as one of baseball's finest catchers, Thurman Munson is a young veteran with the ability to handle pitchers as though he's been around for years.
But in fact, Thurman was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1970, and is entering only his sixth season as a regular catcher. While it might take a few more years for his name to be linked with his quality Yankee predecessors (Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra and Elston Howard), there is little doubt that he has the necessary ingredients to stand with them.
Thurman has twice been a .300 hitter, has twice won Gold Gloves, has been a three-time All-Star, and tied a Yankee fielding record in 1971 when he made only one error. He is noted for his strong arm and quick release, can hit for average and power, and is a fine leader on the field.
The aggressive 27-year-old Munson has all the confidence and poise on the field to set the tone for Yankee success. His qualities affect not only his teammates but the enthusiasm of the fans. And with Munson around, there's always room for excitement and plenty of opportunity for victory."

-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook

"A key man in the Yankee attack, Thurman by his own admission had an off year last season, but injuries early in the year hampered his throwing ability, causing him to shift to a sidearm motion. Despite a defensive year far off his Yankee record - .998 in 1971 - his fellow players voted him his second consecutive Gold Glove award. Thurman is considered one of the tops in the business at calling a game and handling pitchers, and he's getting better all the time. He made only one error in 1971, tying Elston Howard's all-time Yankee record.
Drafted number one out of Kent State, where he was an All-American, Thurman played only 99 minor league games before joining the Yankees as the regular catcher. He promptly won the Rookie of the Year award in 1970, one of two seasons in which he has batted .300. A three-time American League All-Star, Thurm has great speed for a catcher and is a smart baserunner.
Thurman finished strong last year, going 20-for-49 in the final 13 games as the Yankees fought for the pennant.
A fine golfer and all-around athlete, he's interested in real estate."

-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide

"Munson was American League Player of the Week for May 4, 1975. He led A.L. hitters with a near .400 average early in the '75 season.
The winner of two Gold Gloves for catchers, Thurman set a Yankee fielding mark for catchers in 1971 with a .998 fielding average and committed only one error all year. A three-time A.L. All-Star and A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1970, he has twice batted .300 in his career (1970 and 1973)."

-1975 All-Star Souvenir Magazine, Milwaukee