(LOT 642)
1954 Bowman #89 Willie Mays PSA 9 MINT – Highest Graded PSA Example!
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 an extraordinary PSA 9 MINT copy of this classic issue that is synonymous to the "Say Hey Kid's" unparalleled standing in baseball history, proudly resides as the finest of its kind! Indeed, finding a PSA 9 MINT '54 Bowman Mays is similar to locating a "needle in a haystack" with only 0.7% of the roughly 2,600 PSA encapsulated examples reflecting this hallowed assessment. It truly appears as if this Cooperstown worthy keepsake has just been pulled from a Bowman wax pack, destined to become the centerpiece attraction in any esteemed gathering. The 1954 campaign would be a "breakout" year for Mays 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 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. Safe to say, just as spectacular as that immortal catch are the awe-inspiring aesthetics of this magnificent offering. Brilliant pastel 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 potential wear. A momentous heirloom for what is arguably considered Willie Mays' greatest season ever, its magnificent aesthetics arguably merit the "perfect" 10 GEM MINT assessment!

DISCLOSURE: The individual 1954 Bowman Baseball Set Break card individual lots 550-774 aggregate lot total or lot 549 Complete Set will determine the final winner(s) for one of the finest arrays of high-grade imaginable!

MIN BID $5,000
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MLI is offering The Finest 1954 Bowman 225-Subject Basic-Set in an alternative selling format. All Lots numbered from 550-774 will be sold individually to the highest bidder, unless Lot # 549's hammer price exceeds the hammer price of Lots 550-774 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 549 (Set Total):  $102,903
Lot 550-774 (Individual Card Total):  $302,913