This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/6/2016
While "the next Joe DiMaggio" was taking center stage in the Bronx, the borough of Manhattan was grooming a superstar of their own. Signed as an amateur free agent at the age of 19, the "Say Hey Kid" didn't take long to put New York City on notice that Mickey Mantle had competition across town, posting an absurd .477 batting average at AA Minneapolis before getting a call up to the big show in 1951. Though Mays' rise to greatness was temporarily derailed by a stint in the United States Armed Forces, he was included in the brilliantly artistic 1952 Red Man set. Presented is one of the finest pasteboards to bear the likeness of Willie Mays, a 1952 Red Man Tobacco card this is one of only two specimens to earn the elite grade of PSA 9 with none graded higher. The incredibly accurate likeness of the youthful icon is surrounded by a rich field of glowing orange, showing virtually no evidence of chipping along the vulnerable edges. Each corner comes to a perfect point, clearly confirming its status at the extremely exclusive MINT tier. Whether you're a PSA Set Registry ranked Red Man collector or just appreciate the finest cards in existence, this is one spectacular card to add to your collection!