Lot # 472: 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA 7 NM

Category: 1950-1959

Starting Bid: $17,500.00

Bids: 14 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Newman Auction",
which ran from 6/12/2021 11:00 AM to
7/10/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 472)
1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA 7 NM

SAY HEY!!! The 1951 Bowman Willie Mays irrefutably stands as his "true" rookie card and is one of the highlights of this landmark Thomas Newman collection. Only three years removed from a dramatic World War, the Bowman Gum Company decided to release its inaugural 1948 set, including baseball cards with a single stick of bubble gum within their wax packs. Bowman continued producing sets through 1955, eventually being bought out by the Topps Baseball Gum Co., and it would be 34 years before Bowman released its next major baseball card set in 1989. The 1951 and 1952 issues hold a special place in the hearts of collectors since they include the 1st and 2nd year cards for two of baseball's immortal centerfielders, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. These two rookies stormed the baseball world in 1951, setting the groundwork to what would be an incredible joy ride in the New York Metropolitan area. Along with the Dodger's Duke Snider, it was unfathomable that any city could possibly reap the benefits of three immortal centerfielders during the same era.

While Mantle's Goliath type power seemed to steal the show from the other two stars, Mays was unquestionably the better 5-tool player of the three, and is still considered by many as the greatest all-around player in baseball history. In prior years, one of the most under rated post WWII cards has always been the 1951 Bowman rookie card of the immortal "Say Hey Kid". In the past year, however, this concept has truly turned the corner for the 1951 Bowman Mays has finally realized the earth-shattering values it truly merits. Earlier this spring, a PSA 8 example achieved a record setting $338K pricing point while a PSA 7 nearly reached the six-figure mark! Indeed, the true Willie Mays rookie card has finally earned its due respect among the hobby's premier collectors. As a worthy testament to his unbridled immortality, offered here is a magnificent 1951 Bowman Mays rookie card in a hallowed PSA Near Mint 7 holder. There isn't a single baseball historian that omits the legendary Giants centerfielder on their top five all-time baseball player list. Mays could hit for average and power, run the bases, throw and play centerfield as well if not better than anyone who ever played the game.

As Ty Cobb accomplished some 30+ years before him, Mays personified the phrase "5 tool player", and his legacy will forever be embellished in our National Pastime's history. Whether it was his amazing "over the shoulder" catch in the 1954 World Series in the deepest confines of the Polo Grounds, his 660 round trippers, his "cannon-like" arm or base running skills, Mays legacy will outlast eternity, and we cannot imagine a finer testament to his unparalleled legacy than a high-grade Bowman rookie card. Many qualities of this "pack fresh" example is consistent with a higher assessment, including a brilliant lithographic image of Mays preparing to clout another one of his 660 round-trippers. Sharp corners, relatively clean surfaces, bright white borders, all combine to raise the bar on its overall condition. Its only stigma is the typical off-centered image that in this case, favors the lower left borders. Yet, its aforementioned array of esteemed attributes, tsunami-like pricing points and its irrefutable "Say Hey Kid" rookie card stature all combine to justify its pinnacle standing!

MIN BID $17,500
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