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6d ago

Austin Wells Wears Throwback Gear to Honor Thurman Munson

The Yankees promoted the in-game salute on social media, linking Wells’s retro equipment to Munson’s leadership and lasting impact.

Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) gestures after hitting a double against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs' Seiya Suzuki scores as New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells waits for a throw.
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Overview

  • Yankees catcher Austin Wells donned explicitly throwback catching equipment as an on-field tribute to former captain Thurman Munson, a gesture the team highlighted in a post on its official Twitter account.
  • The tribute occurred during a tight game at Wrigley Field in which the Yankees won 2-1, a result that gave New York a 2-of-3 series victory over the Cubs with Gerrit Cole on the mound.
  • Reports described Wells’s gear as retro-styled chest and shin protectors featuring Munson’s retired No. 15 and stat graphics, and said Wells worked with EvoShield to create the look and even trimmed his facial hair to echo Munson’s appearance.
  • Thurman Munson is remembered as a seven-time All-Star who hit .292 in his career, helped lead the 1977 and 1978 World Series teams, died in a 1979 plane crash, and is often cited for his leadership and willingness to take physical punishment behind the plate.
  • The homage follows a wider MLB practice of using vintage uniforms and equipment to mark anniversaries and honor past players, a move that can renew fan interest in franchise history and prompt similar commemorations on milestone dates.