(LOT 158)
1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA 5 EX
SAY HEY KID ROOKIE!!! This visually appealing PSA 5 EX 1951 Bowman #305 Mays offering is the Say Hey Kid's undisputed rookie card. The 1951 Bowman issue holds a special place in the hearts of collectors since it includes the first-year cards for two of baseball's immortal center fielders, Mantle and Mays, with these rookies taking the Big Apple by storm in 1951. Willie Mays incomparable five-tool skillset places him as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history, and what better card to own than a fine mid-grade Mays Rookie. The sparkling Mays batting image that has eluded the typical vertical print lines steals the show, with the illustration revealing superb top-to-bottom positioning while partly favoring the left edge. No obtrusive surface flaws are evident, and even corner wear as well as a mild gum stain situated on the verso's upper region account for the assessment. Consistent with the grade are rich hues and relatively clean surfaces, with the classic Mays image being the highlight of this splendid rookie. A bona fide PSA 5 example, it turns back the clock to the year when the Say Hey Kid would embark on one of the greatest careers in baseball history, ultimately resulting in a whopping 660 dingers!

MIN BID $3,000
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