Yankees Austin Wells pays homage to Thurman Munson on anniversary of death

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.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.

“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. “I think he’s been in pos...