On Display: 1955 Bowman Willie Mays, PSA 9 Mint
Issued: 1955 by Bowman Gum Company
Card Number: #184
Population: 2,900+ graded; only 5 PSA 9, none higher
Hall of Fame Induction: 1979
Career Highlights: 660 HR | 3,293 Hits | 12 Gold Gloves | 24x All-Star
“If somebody came up and hit .400 and stole 100 bases, I’d be shocked if he was as good all-around as Willie Mays.” — Joe DiMaggio
In baseball history, few moments shine brighter than Willie Mays’ iconic over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series. Yet even that immortal defensive feat finds a worthy rival in this extraordinary card: a 1955 Bowman Willie Mays, graded PSA 9 Mint—one of only five ever to achieve this status out of nearly 2,900 submissions, and none graded higher.
Framed in the distinctive “TV set” design unique to the 1955 Bowman series, this card captures the essence of The Say Hey Kid: poised in a fielding stance, smiling, ready to chase down the impossible. His legendary five-tool excellence—660 home runs, blazing speed, a rocket arm, and graceful, game-changing defense—solidified Mays as not just the greatest center fielder of all time, but arguably the greatest all-around player the game has ever known.
What makes this particular card truly exceptional is its condition. Brilliant color saturation, crystal-clear clarity, and dead-on centering are enhanced by flawless wood-grain borders, razor-sharp corners, and an immaculate surface front and back. After nearly seven decades, it still radiates with the same energy Mays brought to every game.