On April 17, 1976 — At Yankee owner’s George Steinbrenner’s insistence, Thurman Munson is named the team captain. The reluctant backstop is the first player to assume the role since the Bronx Bombers honored Lou Gehrig with the position in 1935.
Billy Martin’s desire when he was playing for the Yankees in the early 50s was to be named team captain. “But they wouldn’t give it to me,” recalled the manager yesterday. “I don’t think the Yankees have had a captain since Lou Gehrig.” continued Martin. “I like the idea of a captain. That’s why I’ve given the job to Thurman Munson.
“I guess they waited until I had , a good day to announce it.” kidded Munson, who hit a homer and a pair of singles in the 10-0 win over Minnesota. “I’m glad they named me. but we do have a lot of leaders on this club.” “Munson is a leader out there.” said Martin, “and a great handler of pitchers.” Ed Figueroa, who hurled a six-hilter lor his first Yankee win. agreed.
“It really helps having someone like him behind the plate. “In California last year, it got so bad I had to call my whole game. Today I shook off two or three early pitches and let Thurman handle the rest. It makes life easier for a pitcher when all he has to worry about is throwing the ball.” Munson caught his second straight game after being restricted to DH duties because of a broken finger suffered in training camp. “I’m throwing the ball better now than I could hope for with so little practice,” said the catcher. “I .expect to throw better this year than last.” He had nine throwing errors in 1975.
