IN A FLASH: Honoring A Legendary Alumnus

Thurman Munson's widow, Diane and Kent State Sports announcer Jeff Kurtz.
Thurman Munson's widow, Diane attended the dedication, shown here with Kent State Sports announcer and Golden Flash alumnus Jeff Kurtz.

 

A bronze statue of baseball legend and Golden Flash alumnus, Thurman Munson was dedicated at a ceremony at Kent State's Schoonover Stadium, where he has inspired generations of Kent State Baseball players since becoming one of Major League Baseball's most accomplished catchers.

Unveiling the Thurman Munson statue.

 

Munson is one of the university's most celebrated athletic alumni. The Canton, Ohio, native was named an All-American catcher in 1968 when he hit .413 and still holds the Kent State career batting average record of .390, achieved during the 1967 and 1968 seasons.

Thurman Munson Statue Unveiling

 

He earned multiple awards and accolades while playing with the New York Yankees , including playing in two World Series, before his career was cut short when he perished in a plane crash in 1979.

Hats with Thurman Munson's number were worn at the ceremony.

 

Want to see YOUR photos in “IN A FLASH?” Submit your Kent State-related photos to InAFlash@kent.edu and you may see them in a future Kent State Today post. Photos should be framed -horizontally- and include a brief description of what’s happening in the photo along with when and where it was taken.

POSTED: Monday, October 6, 2025 11:01 AM
Updated: Monday, October 6, 2025 11:35 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen
PHOTO CREDIT:
Michael Rich