2019 Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction Lots 1-82 Close Aug 1- 83-end close 8/10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2019
Graded NM-MT 8 (OC) by PSA. Hall of Famer, in a sought-after Rookie Card appearance. Exclusively, this is the debut collectible of Willie Mays, whose card number 305 emerged among Bowman's scarcer, late-season series of "High Numbers." The Giants' young star, whose determination is tellingly revealed within this item's portrayal (a depiction universally cherished within our hobby) was just beginning to demonstrate his unique talents at the time the memento was released. Very soon, however, the great player came to dominate his sport. At one time or another, he led the league in virtually every category. Mays is generally considered to have been the greatest defensive outfielder of all time, and many fans forget that when he retired, only Babe Ruth had more home runs. Had he not lost nearly two seasons to military service, Mays would no doubt have eclipsed that record. The horizontal "rookie" pose displayed on this card is shimmering and bright, a marvel of its type. A showpiece, the card is generally superlative in both its visual appeal and physical properties. There are no print lines to interrupt the purity of the cardfront (whereupon the illustration is positioned toward one side), and no wrapper stains disrupt the reverse. The card's corners are commendably sharp, with barely-touched character. Near Mint to Mint condition, qualified as noted.