LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Sig. Sports Collectibles II #708  / 

19639

1958 Willie Mays Game Worn Jersey

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Game Used Memorabilia Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:24,000.00 - 36,000.00 USD
1958 Willie Mays Game Worn Jersey
<B>1958 Willie Mays Game Worn Jersey.</B></I> One of the most significant artifacts within this auction, both for the great stature of the player who once owned it and for the historic westward shift of the game that it heralded. This incredible grey flannel was the first roadster issued to the Giants' superstar centerfielder after abandoning the Polo Grounds, announcing upon its chest a California town that had forever prior remained two thousand miles removed from the nearest Major League action. While it was a heartbreaking development for millions of Big Apple baseball fans who had suddenly seen their baseball options diminished by two-thirds, Mays thrived in the Pacific air, posting a career-best .347 batting average and leading the National League in stolen bases and runs scored. Fine wear is evident from this key season in a career with no shortage thereof, with a team repair at the right shoulder and consistent softening of the tackle twill identifiers announcing "San Francisco" on the chest and "24" on verso. A "MacGregor size 42" label appears within interior collar, with an artfully chainstitched "Mays" properly applied to a white felt swatch an inch and a half below. Left front interior tail houses the small but important flap tag proclaiming "Set 2 1958." A small amount of loss to the black and orange piping at the back of the collar and some bleaching of the rear numerals are mentioned for accuracy's sake and do not materially diminish the stunning visual or historic appeal. Post-war baseball collectibles don't get much more significant than this jersey, and we expect that the eventual winning bidder will give it the place of honor that it deserves within his trophy room. <I>LOA from Lou Lampson.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Clothing, Costumes & Jerseys (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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