After the miracle comeback of 1978, the Yankees went into 1979 with high hopes. It was not meant to be. The team was starting to get old. The Bombers would finish in fourth place with a 89-71 record.
Thurman Munson was a baseball-old 32 and the Yanks were looking to ease him out of the catchers position.
We remember Thurman asking Steinbrenner over and over to trade him to Cleveland. Munson even proposed a trade, him for Clevelands young right-hander Dennis Eckeresly. It never happened.
Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Yankees had lost three in a row, and were in fourth place, eleven games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East heading into the All-Star break in 1979.
Despite a .297 average, the wear-and-tear of catching was beginning to take its toll on Munson, and he was overlooked for the American League All-Star team. Frequently homesick, he had a well-known desire to play for the Cleveland Indians in order to be closer to his family, and was also considering retiring at the end of the season.
Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Munson had been taking flying lessons for a little over two years, and purchased a Cessna Citation jet so he could fly home to his family in Canton on off-days. On August 2, 1979, he was practicing takeoffs and landings at the Akron-Canton Regional Airport with friend Jerry Anderson and flight instructor Dave Hall. On the third touch-and-go landing, Munson allowed the aircraft to sink too low before increasing engine power, causing the jet to clip a tree and fall short of the runway. The plane then hit a tree stump and burst into flames.
Hall and Anderson both managed to escape the accident with Hall receiving burns on his arms and hands, and Anderson receiving burns on his face, arm and neck. Munson, meanwhile, was trapped inside, and was confirmed dead by Summit County sheriff Anthony Cardarelli.
It is believed that his inability to get out of the plane, and the ensuing asphyxiation from inhaling toxic substances, is what killed Munson, rather than injuries sustained on impact or burns. The crash was attributed to pilot error, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Despite his protest, in 1976 Thurman was named the first Yankee captain since Lou Gherig. he responded by winning the American league MVP.
The Yankees retired our captain's number on the day he died. If you are lucky enough to tour the Yankee clubhouse, you will find Thurman's locker still untouched.
On Sept. 20, 1980 a plaque was dedicated in the stadiums monument park.
Our Captain and Leader has not left us today, tomorrow, this year, next. Our endeavors will reflect our love and admiration for him.
Thurman Munson died 32 years ago today.
