(LOT 96)
1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA 5 EX
The 1951 Bowman Willie Mays irrefutably stands as his true rookie card, with the 1951 Bowman set including both the inaugural cards for the "Big Apple's" two iconic centerfielders, Mickey Mantle and the "Say Hey Kid". 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 Dodgers 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 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 Willie Mays rookie card has finally earned its due respect among the hobby's premier collectors and rightfully so, since 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 a worthy testament to his unbridled immortality, offered here is a superb Bowman Mays rookie card in a PSA EX 5 holder. Many qualities of this legendary offering are consistent with a higher assessment, including a brilliant lithographic image of Mays preparing to clout another one of his 660 round-trippers. Vivid resolution, rich hues, relatively clean surfaces reflecting no glaring print lines and corner wear consistent with the grade all combine to emanate stellar aesthetics. The only "stigma" is the typical off-centering that plagues most Mays rookie cards, with this particular image favoring the lower left edges. Yet, its aforementioned array of eye pleasing attributes, tsunami-like pricing points and undisputed Willie Mays rookie card stature all combine to merit it the utmost attention from any sophisticated collector!

MIN BID $3,000
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