(LOT 92)
1954 Willie Mays Original Type 1 William C. Greene Photo - Measures Approx. 7" x 9" - PSA Type 1 LOA
No one would argue that 1954 would be Willie Mays' most iconic season with the remarkable center fielder capturing his first N.L. Most Valuable Player award as well as leading the New York Giants to their first world championship since 1933. Indeed, the Giants would sweep the Indians in four straight games in the 1954 fall classic with their MVP center fielder setting the tone in the eight-inning of Game#1 played at the Polo Grounds. With the score tied 2-2, Indians power hitter Vic Wertz crushed a ball to the deepest confines of centerfield, some 450 feet from home plate.

Mays turned his back on the ball and raced furiously towards the centerfield fence and at the last possible second, reached over his shoulders to amazingly snare Wertz's massive blast. Arguably considered the greatest catch in World Series history, it preserved the 2-2 score, with the Giants eventually winning the game 5-2 via Dusty Rhodes 3-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th. As a testament to his sensational 1954 campaign, presented here is a splendid "Say Hey Kid" image taken by renowned photographer William C. Greene during that fabled season.

Depicting breathtaking contrast and clarity, Mays is seen casually flipping a baseball in the air, as he prepares to snag it with his classic "basket catch" glove style. Measuring 7" x 9", Mays is donning his period style Giants home uniform, with some lower border staining the only noticeable flaws on this brilliant image. The verso reveals a somewhat blurry bold pink W.C. Greene credit stamp, with this striking "Say Hey Kid" offering one of the more obscure Mays images you will ever come across! - LOA – PSA/DNA Type I

MIN BID $500
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