(LOT 136)
1954 Topps #90 Willie Mays PSA 9 MINT
Presented here is an absolutely breathtaking PSA "Mint 9" 1954 Topps Willie Mays gem portraying one of the finest Willie Mays portrait images known. To date, roughly 4,100 examples have been handled by the illustrious PSA Grading Service, with this offering one of only thirteen at this pinnacle plateau, and not a single "Gem Mint 10" specimen listed on the PSA "Pop" chart. Indeed, this magnificent marvel currently shares the spotlight as the finest of its kind!

When Willie Mays returned to major league baseball from his devout Korean War related military service, the Topps Gum Company celebrated his highly-anticipated homecoming with a May's subject depicting two classic images; both a portrait and batting pose set against a radiant-like yellow background. The 1954 season would be a "break-out" year for the 'Say Hey Kid" to say the least! Not only would he claim the National League's MVP award via his league leading .345 batting average and 41 round-trippers, he would also lead the Giants to a World Championship via their 4-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians in the Fall Classic.

In game one, with the game tied at two apiece in the 8th inning, it would be Willie May's incredible "over the shoulder" catch in the deepest confines of the Polo Ground's that would set the pace for the remainder of the series. With two runners aboard, Vic Wertz crushed Don Liddle's pitch towards the centerfield fence some 450+ feet from home plate. Not batting an eyelash, Mays raced towards the fence and in a heart stopping moment, reached over his shoulders to snare the mammoth drive and preserve the tied game; with the Giants eventually winning in extra innings.

Synonymous with that iconic catch is the awe-inspiring eye appeal including two crystal clear May's images, a radiant-like yellow-hued setting, near-perfect "side-to-side" centering, immaculate-like surfaces and pinpoint corner tips. Easily meriting the ultra-scarce "Mint 9" assessment, both its technical attributes and brilliant eye appeal would make this "pack-fresh" gem a spectacular addition to any world-class Willie Mays or 1954 Topps PSA Registered compilation!

MIN BID $5,000

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MLI is offering The "Mays Fan Club Collection" - #1 on the PSA Set Registry in an alternative selling format. All Lots numbered from 132-158 will be sold individually to the highest bidder, unless Lot # 131's hammer price exceeds the hammer price of Lots 132-158 combined cumulative total. In which case, the cards would be sold as a set. Once bidding starts, the green check mark below simply designates which format has the current high bid. In case of a tie - the set wins.

Lot 131 (Set Total):  $230,000
Lot 132-158 (Individual Card Total):  $406,299