(LOT 354)
1954 Topps #90 Willie Mays PSA 8 NM-MT
STELLAR!!! This magnificent PSA 8 NM-MT 1954 Topps #90 Willie Mays offering portrays one of the finest Willie Mays portrait images known, only bested by a mere 16 higher-graded examples on the illustrious PSA "Pop" Chart! When Willie Mays returned to major league baseball from his devout Korean War military service, the Topps Gum Company celebrated his highly-anticipated homecoming with a Mays 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 eighth-inning, it would be Willie Mays incredible "over the shoulder" catch in the deepest confines of the Polo Grounds 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 Mays images, a sparkling yellow-hued setting, fine centering revealing only a modest favoritism towards the left edge, near-flawless surfaces and pinpoint corners. Easily meriting the seldom surfacing PSA 8 assessment, both its technical attributes and pinnacle eye appeal would make this gem an outstanding addition for any esteemed "Say Hey Kid" or 1954 Topps Set PSA Registered gathering!

MIN BID $3,500
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