Yankee’ Austin Wells pays in-game tribute on anniversary of Munson’s passing

The New York Yankees were able to come through with an important and well-pitched 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs Sunday at Wrigley Field. That gave the Yankees a series victory over the Cubs as they were victorious in 2 of 3 games.

A special tribute by @wellsius16 #RepBX https://t.co/5oDlhT9kbE pic.twitter.com/IbqOpkxDRa

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 2, 2026

Yankees catcher Austin Wells was behind the plate for the Yankees with ace pitcher Gerrit Cole on the mound. A look at Wells’ catcher’s equipment brought many raised eyebrows, because it did not have the modern appearance of so many at the position in the 2025 season. Instead, it was a throwback and an homage to Thurman Munson, the Yankees’ late and legendary catcher.

Munson was the captain of the Yankees and played a key role on the World Series championship teams of 1977 and ’78. However, he was tragically killed Aug. 2, 1979 when the small plane he was piloting crashed. While Munson has been gone for 47 years, his memory and his impact on the Yankees franchise remains strong. Wells’ paid tribute to Munson with the equipment that he wore against the Cubs.

Munson had wonderful numbers as a hitter and catcher

Munson caught for the Yankees from 1969 through 1979. He was a seven-time All-Star in his career. He had a career batting average of .292 and he drove in 100 runs or more three times. While he is not in the Hall of Fame, many believe he deserves to be in the shrine.

More than the numbers, Munson is remembered for the fire he had behind the plate and his willingness to lead the Yankees into battle. He was always willing to block the plate and take the abuse of a runner crashing into him if it meant preventing a run from scoring.

He is remembered today as one of the team’s legends, and Wells was not about to let the anniversary of his death go without his tribute.

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