Offered is a 1951 New York Giants official program and scorecard from Hall of Famer Willie Mays first Major League Baseball hit, also his first home run. The “Say Hey Kid” made his MLB debut on May 25, 1951, but his career began on a sour note with no hits in his first 12 at bats. On his 13th at-bat, in his fourth game as a Giant, Mays hit a towering home run up and over the left field roof of the Polo Grounds off future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn in the bottom of the first inning on May 28, 1951. Due to the pitchers that are listed and the fact that Luis Olmo is in the Braves lineup, as he could only have been in this Mays HR game or the next one versus the Giants that season, it can be pinpointed as Mays first career home run program. After this home run his batting average improved steadily throughout the rest of the season. Although his .274 average, 68 RBI and 20 homers (in 121 games) were among the lowest of his career, he still won the 1951 Rookie of the Year Award. This 24-page booklet features a scored centerspread scorecard, including the lineup and notes. The overall condition of the 6½ x 10-inch white paper booklet with red and blue printing is very good, with no folds, wrinkles or tears.

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