On Display: 1958 Topps Willie Mays, PSA 9 Mint
Issued: 1958 by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
Card Number: #5
Population: 4,600+ graded; only 5 PSA 9, none higher
Hall of Fame Induction: 1979
Career Highlights: 660 HR | .302 AVG | 12 Gold Gloves | 24x All-Star
“Willie Mays was the closest thing to baseball perfection I’ve ever seen.” — Vin Scully
This stunning 1958 Topps Willie Mays #5, graded PSA 9 Mint, stands as a true gem of postwar baseball card collecting. Out of more than 4,600 graded examples, only five have earned this elite Mint designation—and none have achieved a perfect 10.
The year 1958 marked a personal best for Willie Mays, who posted the highest batting average of his Hall of Fame career: a brilliant .357, fueled by his only 200-hit season (208). Mays’ unmatched combination of speed, power, grace, and defensive genius placed him firmly alongside Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider as one of the three preeminent center fielders of his era.
This card’s iconic portrait image—featuring Mays’ unforgettable smile—is framed by blazing white borders and a rich baby-blue background, making it one of the most visually striking cards in the 1958 Topps series. The photo is exceptionally well-registered, with razor-sharp corners, clean surfaces, and only the faintest trace of factory printing visible. For collectors and fans alike, it is a snapshot of both a legendary player at his peak and the timeless artistry of mid-century baseball cards.
Few players have embodied the spirit of baseball quite like Willie Mays. Over a 22-season career, he amassed 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, 1,903 RBIs, and a .302 lifetime average—all while patrolling center field with jaw-dropping range and a rocket arm. Mays wasn’t just great—he was the game’s ultimate five-tool player, as confirmed when ESPN ranked him #2 on its list of the 100 greatest players of all time, trailing only Babe Ruth.