For eleven years, Thurman Munson played as starting catcher for the New York Yankees. In his career Munson recorded a .292 batting average and helped take the Yankees to two world championships. Munson was the Yankee’s team captain and was often referred to as the “Heart and Soul” of the Yankees, which made it even more devastating when Munson lost his life in 1979.

On this day, August 2nd, in 1979, Yankee’s catcher Thurman Munson died at the age of 32 in a private plane crash.  Munson died in his own aircraft while practicing takeoffs and landing at the Akron-Canton Regional Airport.  The additional passengers, Dave Hall and Jerry Anderson were able to escape the flaming crash.

The New York Yankees honored Munson with a moment of silence and a rendition of America the Beautiful.  Yankee fans ended the pre-game ceremony by  giving an 8-minute standing ovation.