In April of 1976 the Yankees were coming back to their renovated Yankee Stadium after spending two years sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets.
It was wonderful to get back to our own ball park. I will never forget Billy Martin saying out loud that it was so good to be home.
On our very first day I wanted to be the first person to run on the field and shag fly balls during batting practice.
As I was running out to left field the brand new stadium speakers started to play the countries biggest song at the moment. It was Peter Framptons super hit… Show me the way!
The song was so appropriate for the moment. It was the first time that I actually listened to the words. I actually caught myself almost dancing to the music. When I went into the clubhouse Thurman Munson kidding around said that there was no dancing in the outfield … I laughed and said but the song said Show me the way… Thurman kiddingly said I’ll show you the way!
Boy did he ever …. Thurman did everything possible to show us the way including win the Most Valuable Player award. Without Thurman we don’t win our first pennant in 12 years.
For 47 years, every time I hear that song it takes me back to Thurman and that year.
As you all know I along with Ike Goldstein &Tom Hopke coach a summer college team in the ACBL. We are called The Thurman Munson Disciples/ Collegians. We educate these kids about Thurman and playing the game the Munson way.
This Saturday our pitcher Joe Gonzalez pitched a no hitter. The first thing out of his mouth was the fact that maybe Thurman and his wife Diana would be proud. Also that Thurman is still showing our kids the way.
We actually videoed the last out and our little on field celebration and sent it to Diana.
She responded by saying how proud she felt about Joe and the team.
This is something that these kids will take with them forever.
We love Diana because she lets us always feel a part of Thurman and the Munson family!
Our kids are always so proud and grateful.
Yesterday my dear friend and entertainment promoter in the Tampa Bay Area/ RuthEckertHall Bobby Rossi actually had Peter Frampton at his facility.
His performance was as crisp and sharp as ever. Bobby said that he was as good as he was in 1976.
To me Peter and the soul and spirit of Thurman Munson are still and will always….SHOW ME THE WAY!!!
