2017 Great American Trading Card Auction Ending April 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/1/2017
Graded NM-MT 8 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his first gum card appearance. Among more than 1,400 copies recorded in PSA’s census reporting, just nine examples have been placed at a higher, unqualified tier; none has been graded Gem Mint. An elegant example of Willie Mays' true Rookie Card is presented. Mays made an immediate impact with his New York Giants, inspiring the team to the World Series for the first time since 1937. His horizontally oriented batting portrayal reveals the intensity and fierce competitiveness the great player carried on the field for 22 years. His career total of 660 home runs still ranks near the top of the all-time list, and he added another 283 hits after joining the 3,000 Hit Club. Mays led the league in stolen bases for four consecutive years, from 1956 through 1959. He was indeed the complete ballplayer, and the starting point of his glory is illustrated delightfully by this exceptional keepsake. Visually, the card is extremely pleasing. Its superb registration and bold colors constitute a fabulous illustration, and this spectacle is suitably framed by snow white borders that culminate in sharp corners. Freshness of gloss and overall aesthetic are immune to challenge, and the back shows pristine quality with no distractions. This is a top-tier Mays debut collectible from its issue's scarcer high number series, in sublime Near Mint to Mint condition.