(LOT 165)
1952 Bowman #218 Willie Mays PSA 8 NM-MT
PACK-FRESH MAYS!!! Any early 1950s baseball card depicting the immortal Willie Mays ranks high on advanced collectors' lists, with his 1951 Bowman rookie card and 1952 Topps keepsakes leading the way. Running directly behind these two cards in stature is Willie's highly coveted 1952 Bowman #218 high-number keepsake, presented here in an outstanding PSA 8 NM-MT holder and bested by only five PSA specimens! Highly regarded as baseball's greatest all-time five-tool player, Mays walloped 660 lifetime homers over 24 incredible seasons, as well as catching virtually every batted ball directed his way. No wonder when Willie Mays was once asked to simplify the way he plays the game, he so eloquently responded: "They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it".

While Mays will forever be remembered for his 1954 World Series Game 1 spectacular over-the-shoulder catch, not even that historic moment exceeds the sheer brilliance of this offering's awe-inspiring aesthetics. The lithographic image is crystal clear, emanating the brightest array of colored hues, including an almost 3D cloudy sky backdrop. Remarkably, the classic image reveals near-perfect centering, with many '52 Bowman subjects reflecting skewed illustrations. Remaining attributes include pinpoint corner tips, a gleaming obverse side surface and a clean verso that has eluded any gum stains typically plaguing early 1950s Bowman issues. While there are five 9 MINT copies residing on the PSA Pop Chart, we cannot imagine any one of them surpassing the overall brilliance of this magnificent gem that is synonymous with the Say Hey Kid's unparalleled stature!

MIN BID $5,000
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