Willie Mays’ Hall of Fame career was coming to a close in 1973, but not before he made his return to the city where his career began. Mays began his career with the New York Giants in 1951 and moved with the team when they relocated to San Francisco in 1958. Mays returned to New York in 1972 and spent the final two seasons with the Mets as they made their second run to a World Series in four seasons in 1973.

Four years after winning the World Series, the New York Mets were once again up to something amazing in 1973. They went up against the heavily favored Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS, a series the Mets would win, three games to two, to capture the National League pennant. The Oakland Athletics would eventually defeat the Mets in a seven-game World Series, ending another magical season for New York. Mays would combine to go 3-for-10 in the postseason.

This offered New York Mets helmet was worn by Mays during the 1973 season. Manufactured by American Baseball Cap, this all-blue helmet displays outstanding game use with numerous marks and abrasions. The Mets “NY” logo is affixed to the front in an orange decal and Mays’ number “24” is on a blue sticker with white raised print on the tip of the outer brim. The “NY” decal displays some chipping on the top and middle of the “Y”. Mays’ number “24” blue sticker with white raised print is affixed to the back of the helmet. There is brown padding on the inner head band, which shows considerable wear. This helmet was on display at the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum. This comes with a LOA from JT Sports.

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