The image of the late, great Thurman Munson lives on through his foundation.

NEW YORK – There are certain events that happen in our life that we can recall exactly what we were doing at the time we got the news. The assassination of JFK, the attack on America on 9-11 and more recently the death of Michael Jackson, just to name a few.

For Yankee fans, this one included, the day in 1979, when legendary New York Yankee captain Thurman Munson was killed in a airplane accident on Aug. 2. His sudden tragic death shook not only the sports world but an organization that was coming off two consecutive World Series Championships.

The team would make only one more World Series appearance two years later, losing to the Dodgers in 1981. They then would go into a playoff drought for the next 14 years. It’s hard to imagine the Yankees going that long without making the postseason had Munson been alive.

It’s been 30 years since the death of the Yankee captain. His memory lives on as Munson’s widow Diane began the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner honoring past and present New York athletes that benefit the AHRC New York City Foundation.

Close to $10 million dollars has been raised to assist children and adults who suffer from intellectual and development disabilities. It is a total testament to Munson that the organization and the support of the fans that the organization is as strong as it is.

“Sweet” Lou Piniella, Darryl Strawberry, Joba Chamberlain, Chris Duhon and Jason Bartlett were this year’s recipients.

All except Piniella never had the opportunity to meet Munson. They were well aware the type of player he was and what he stood for.

Said Duhon: “I’m completely honored to receive this award after a Yankee who solidified toughness and courage.”

Strawberry, who was an integral part of the Yankees’ World Series teams in the late 90s was well aware of Munson’s reputation. “His teammates would always say the kind of player he was. The kind of effort he gave every time he went on the field.”

Munson always had a love/hate relationship with media. Something that Strawberry could relate to. “They said he had conflict with the media. We all have conflict with the media so that’s just part of it. You respect a guy like that. Then the tragedy of his life. You have nothing but admiration for a player that did so much for the New York Yankees and being the captain all those years. You can imagine the egos that were flying around.”

Joba Chamberlain is reminded of Munson every time he steps into the clubhouse.

Munson’s locker remains with his jersey No. 15 hanging as if he was to put on the uniform on game day. The starter/reliever himself has started several charities in his name both here and in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. He will be taking a family from Nebraska to Disney World in February. Something he never got to do as a kid.

“It’s a very humbling experience to know that my name is going to be with Thurman Munson for a long time,” Chamberlain began. “As a fan of baseball you knew who Thurman was. When you actually put the uniform on and you truly understood what he stood for and the passion he had for the game and the passion that he had for his family, it goes a long way.”

Munson’s best friend and teammate Piniella recalled his relationship with the captain on

and off the field. “I did know Thurman and I knew him well. He was a wonderful, wonderful young man and family guy. Great player, leader and a true friend. I loved the guy.”

This is the second time Pineilla has been honored by the foundation. He keeps the original award in his office in Tampa. “It brings a smile to my face every time I look at. To be here for a second time I’m humbled.” He went on to talk about a side of Munson that was rarely displayed among the public. Seems that Munson had a sense of humor. He gave it out easily but was not very good at receiving it. “He was a fun loving guy,” his former teammate said. “He gave you a little bit of that gruffness. He liked to have fun. He liked to dish it out better than he could take it.”

Thurman Munson played only 11 years for the New York Yankees. He was part of a team that won back-to-back World Series. His contribution to the team and the city is still going strong through his foundation. That is the true measure of the man they simply call “The Captain.”