Joe DiMaggio and Thurman Munson were great players who led the Yankees to World Series titles, but they didn’t have much in common besides their commitment to excellence. The graceful DiMaggio made everything he did look effortless, while Munson was a gruff beer can of a man who barked and sometimes even brawled with teammates. But that hasn’t stopped a Southern California sports memorabilia auction house from offering uniforms from their final Major League Baseball seasons.
SCP Auctions is pleased to present a pair of extremely rare game-worn uniforms from the final season campaigns of two New York Yankees legends – Joe DiMaggio (1951) and Thurman Munson (1979) – as part of its 2015 Fall Premier online auction. The uniforms originate from the estate collections of both players and include documentation from the DiMaggio and Munson families, respectively. Bidding, which began on Wed., Nov. 18, and concludes on Sat., Dec. 5 at www.scpauctions.com, is currently climbing toward the $250,000 mark combined for the two vintage ensembles with expectations of doubling that figure by the close of auction.
The ’51 DiMaggio road uniform originates from the Yankee Clipper’s personal collection of career mementos and is one of only two DiMaggio uniforms in the world with direct player provenance. The jersey is simply stunning in its understated DiMaggio-like elegance. Remarkably well preserved, both pieces show light, but definite game use, retaining near-perfect overall presentation quality that defies the imagination. From 1936-1951, minus three years served in the service during World War II, DiMaggio gave his all to the New York Yankees, helping the team win nine World Series championships. In 13 MLB seasons he amassed 361 homers, averaged 118 RBI annually and compiled a .325 lifetime batting mark. His 1941 MLB record of hitting safely in 56 consecutive games may never be broken. The bidding for the Yankee Clipper’s coveted heirloom is expected to approach $500,000. 
The bittersweet Munson uniform from the ’79 season, meanwhile, was worn by the former Yankee team captain just days before he perished in his untimely plane crash at the Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio on August 2, 1979. He was just 32 years old. One of the finest all-around catchers of his era and another in a long line of legendary Yankees players, Munson was the 1970 American League Rookie of the Year, a six-time All-Star and the 1976 A.L. MVP who helped lead the Yankees to three pennants and two World Series titles during his brief career. The white knit pinstripe home jersey and pants are totally original and unaltered. The jersey displays moderate wear, while the wear is much lighter with the pants. Originating from Munson’s estate, the uniform comes with a signed LOA from Munson’s widow, Diana Munson. The bidding for this piece of sports memorabilia is already nearing the $50,000 plateau.
Both vintage uniforms have received outstanding grades of “A10” from MEARS, a third-party authentication firm. Bidding is open to registered bidders only. For more information on how to participate, please visit www.scpauctions.com or call (949) 831-3700. -Terry Melia
SCP Auctions’ 2015 Fall Premier online auction opened for bidding Wednesday, highlighted by a 1948 George Mikan Bowman rookie card, the only one of its kind that’s been graded Gem Mint 10 by PSA; Joe DiMaggio’s 1951 game-worn Yankees road uniform from his final season; a previously unknown and impeccably preserved Ernie Banks 1969 Cubs Roads jersey; and a one-of-a-kind 1957-58 Topps Basketball complete set in final production uncut sheet form.
Ever had grandiose dreams of the ultimate Joe DiMaggio Halloween costume or National cosplay? A full game-worn uniform of the Yankees legend is up for bid in SCP Auctions’ 2015 Fall Premier online auction. SCP estimates the jersey and pants could sell for more than $400,000.
