CHICAGO — On the 47th anniversary of Thurman Munson’s tragic death, Austin Wells paid tribute as a lookalike behind the plate.
The current Yankees catcher honored the former Yankees catcher in Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Cubs by arranging for special retro-looking gear — a burnt orange chest protector and shin guards, with Thurman’s retired No. 15 on the back and what looked like the back of a baseball card with the former Yankees captain’s year-by-year stats.
“I just think what he meant to the team, his leadership ability and the fire he had behind the plate, leading his staff — obviously, he was an incredible player and team captain, so hard not to root for that guy,” said Wells, who even trimmed his goatee into a horseshoe mustache that looked like Munson’s.
Sunday’s tribute has been in the making for a while. Wells met Munson’s widow, Diana, two years ago before the idea came up last year around Old-Timers’ Day.
This year, Wells worked with EvoShield to create the special catching gear. He sent the company a picture of Munson and asked what they might be able to make for him.
“They pulled it off, and I thought it looked incredible,” Wells said.
Gerrit Cole, who threw to Wells on Sunday and is a Yankees history buff, appreciated the gesture.
“I thought it was great. I’m happy he did it,” Cole said. “Any time we get to honor some of our great players, great leaders and great ambassadors in the organization and in the game in general, it’s really special. It’s great to bring some awareness to how great of a human being he was.”
Giancarlo Stanton is scheduled to face Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt in live batting practice sessions Monday and Tuesday, though it does not necessarily represent progress in his rehab from a second right calf strain.
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“I think he’s been in position to probably do that now for a little bit,” manager Aaron Boone said. “But always good to go outside and see a live arm.”
The bigger hurdle for Stanton, who has been hitting “a lot” including off the Trajekt pitching machine, is running. The veteran DH has been continuing his running progression, Boone has said, but has not yet advanced to running the bases — often the final step before a return and where Stanton suffered a setback in mid-June.
David Bednar recorded a four-out save Sunday, the eighth time in 45 appearances he has worked more than an inning.
“What a luxury it is to have him,” Cole said.
Cody Bellinger is just over a week into the four- to six-week timeline that the Yankees gave for his return from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
“He’s doing well,” Boone said. “I actually talked to him this morning. He already ran today, he’s hitting and throwing. Did his outside running. So I think he’s pretty pleased with the progress.”
