This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/13/2024
Out of the millions of baseball card issues (ok, we're not sure that it's millions but it seems like it would be) that have been distributed to the public since the trade card of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings by Peck & Snyder, an elite handful of pasteboards have risen to the status of being the most important and coveted in the hobby. One such issue among the "creme de la creme" is the 1951 Bowman rookie card of Hall of Fame legend Willie Mays. Known for his impeccable timing at the plate and in the field, the career of "The Say Hey Kid" began at the perfect time as well, shortly after Jackie Robinson had paved the way for black ballplayers to enter the major leagues. As a result, Mays played only 13 games in the Negro Leagues before joining the minor league Trenton Giants in 1950. His major league debut came just around the same time that another rookie, named Mantle, was patrolling centerfield in a different part of town. Perhaps the first bonafide "five-tool" superstar, Mays led the National League in no less than 12 offensive categories over his 23-season career, including a 1954 batting title, four home run crowns, and four stolen base titles. That's in addition to his 12 Gold Gloves. While the 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card might not enjoy the grandeur of Mantle's debut pasteboard (then again, only a handful of issues do), it is very much one of the most important baseball cards ever produced, and the featured card is one of the best in existence. Surpassed by just 9 known examples, the offered piece is a true marvel, showing a captivating image of the baseball legend that is free from the stray print and poor registration that afflicts the vast majority of specimens. The majesty of the artwork is amplified by its impressive centering, no more than a degree or two shifted in any direction, while the corners and edges come through it in true NM/MT fashion if not slightly stronger. While it might be unseemly to glowingly tout the reverse on such an iconic piece, we feel obligated to acknowledge the uncanny sharpness that this card presents, incredibly clean and bright with red and blue print that is sharp, bold, and on the mark. This is not the only PSA 8 example in the hobby, but we feel certain that it's one of the best, and the winning bidder will think so too!