(LOT 356)
1954 Bowman #89 Willie Mays PSA 8 NM-MT
SAY HEY KID!!! When Willie Mays returned from the armed forces for the 1954 season, the prestigious Bowman Gum Company was well prepared to mark his highly anticipated return. Issuing an outstanding Mays lithographic "leaning on bat" cardboard subject, it reveals a good-natured Mays grin that reflects the star outfielders ultimate joy of playing the grand ole game of baseball. Presented here is a spectacular PSA "NM/MT 8" copy of this classic issue that appears to have just been pulled from a Bowman wax pack, and worthy of an esteemed place in any premier gathering. Currently, only 0.7% of the 2,600+ PSA encapsulated examples have been graded higher! The 1954 season would be a "break-out" year for the "Say Hey Kid" to say the least! Easily winning the National League MVP Award via his league leading .345 batting average and 41 round-trippers, he would also spearhead the Giants to a World Championship via their 4-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.

It would be Mays' remarkable catch in the deepest confines of the Polo grounds center-field that would make baseball history. With two runners aboard in the eight-inning of a tied game, Cleveland Indians slugger Vic Wertz crushed Don Liddle's pitch towards the centerfield fence some 450+ feet from home plate. In typical fashion, Mays raced with Secretariat-like speed to the spot where he thought the ball would land and reached over his shoulders to snare the colossal blast and preserve the tied game; with the Giants eventually winning in extra innings. Safe to say, just as spectacular as that immortal catch are the heart-stopping aesthetics of this magnificent offering. Brilliant pastel-like hues highlight the classic Mays pose that reveals near-perfect centering between four bright white borders. A razor-sharp perimeter includes four pinpoint corner tips, and both surfaces have eluded any noteworthy wear. A momentous heirloom for what is arguably considered Willie May's greatest season ever, similar to Willie mays unparalleled career, it merits the highest hobby accolades!

MIN BID $1,750
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