Forty years after winning their second straight World Series championship—and last for the next 18 years–at least 19 members of the 1978 New York Yankees will sign autographs at a card show next month.
Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage, Graig Nettles, Chris Chambliss, Sparky Lyle, Lou Piniella, Mickey Rivers and other members of the team will appear at the J.P. Sports and Rock Solid Promotions Fall Classic show at the Westchester County Convention Center in White Plains. The signings will take place October 6 and 7. Tom Lasorda, who managed the National League champion Dodgers, will also be signing.
So far, 18 players have agreed to appear with more possible. Promoters say they haven’t been able to speak with Ken Holtzman or Dick Tidrow but are still trying to land ace pitcher Ron Guidry.
Complete team-signed 1978 Yankee items are somewhat rare. Catcher Thurman Munson was killed after a plane crash the following year. Manager Billy Martin was killed in a one-vehicle accident in 1989 and Hall of Fame pitcher Catfish Hunter passed away in 1999. Other members of the team have died in recent years including Paul Lindblad, Paul Blair and Jim Spencer.
The ’78 Yankees survived a tumultuous season that saw them trail the Red Sox by 14 games on July 19 but rally to force a playoff they won on Bucky Dent’s home run. They trailed the Dodgers two games to none in the World Series, then won the next four.
The cost of a 40th reunion ‘Super Autograph Ticket’ that includes 17 players ranges from $379 to $429—but that doesn’t include Jackson, who will cost an additional $89-$199.
The show includes 300 tables of vintage and modern cards, autographs and other memorabilia. Admission is $10. Hours are:
Friday – 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
More information will be available on the promoter’s website in the coming days.
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