(LOT 95)
1954 Topps #90 Willie Mays PSA 9 MINT – Highest Graded PSA Example!

MINT "SAY HEY KID" SCARCITY!!!... This magnificent PSA 9 MINT 1954 Topps #90 Willie Mays offering depicts one of the finest Willie Mays portrait images known, and proudly standing tall as the finest of its kind! PSA's prestigious Pop Chart indicates that of the 4,000+ encapsulated copies, a mere 12 other examples (or 0.3%) have managed to achieve the hallowed "9" assessment. When Willie Mays returned to major league baseball from his devout Korean War related 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 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 four-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians in the Fall Classic.

In Game #1, 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 eye, 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, near-perfect side-to-side centering, pack-fresh surfaces and pinpoint corners. Easily meriting the seldom surfacing PSA 9 MINT assessment, its lofty stature is justified by another "9" specimen fetching an immense $84K in 2022. Indeed, this museum worthy offering's technical attributes and pinnacle eye appeal would make this gem an outstanding addition for even the most meticulous enthusiast!

MIN BID $10,000
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