Auction Item Details
Lot 325
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 325
Description: Superb 1958 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants home jersey. 3,283 hits; 2,062 runs; 523 doubles; 140 triples; 660 home runs; 1,903 RBI's; and a lifetime batting average of .302. The aforementioned statistics were compiled during Willie Mays' illustrious 22 year Major League career. In addition to his astounding offensive numbers, Mays is almost universally regarded as the greatest defensive player in Major League history. Offered is Willie Mays' 1958 San Francisco Giants home jersey worn during the inaugural season after the Giants had moved from New York and the Polo Grounds. The jersey retains its original "Giants" lettering on front and #24 on the reverse. Tim McAuliffe tag with size 42 tag remains affixed to the tail front along with "Mays 58" chain stitched in black. The shirt remains in as-worn condition; the front has a few areas of minor staining along with a couple of tiny moth holes and is missing the bottom button. The back of the shirt has similar light staining and moth holes in a few areas. The number 24 has appropriate minor separation at the layering of colors from usage with two very minor period stitching reinforcements, which remain in original condition. The jersey originated from a gentleman who had played within the Giants organization during the 1960's era and acquired several pieces of equipment including the offered jersey. Within the collar area, a faint name is visable, which appears to have a last name of "Davis". Most likely, Davis was a minor league player to whom the shirt had been issued. Near the bottom right area of the back of the shirt, there is an "L" shaped tear approximately 3"x4" which has been reinforced from the interior for stability. According to the family of the original recipient, the jersey was believed to have been torn during game play while Mays was catching a ball against an outfield wall. One side seam also has some minor stitching reinforcement mentioned only for accuracy. Based upon its quality, originality, early playing career dating, and provenance, the offered example is among the finest Willie Mays jerseys extant. Superb early playing career jersey from the greatest all around player in Major League history. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions,Inc. and a notarized letter of provenance from the original recipient: EX
Estimated Price: ($40,000.00-$60,000.00)
