This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/15/2020
On June 24, a new player, 20-year old outfielder Willie Mays joined the club in Hagerstown, Nd. and was immediately inserted in centerfield by Manager Chic Genovese.
In his first game in organized ball, Mays went hitless, but exhibited exceptional speed and an excellent throwing arm. Two nights later, Mays played his first game in Trenton, rapping out two hits in helping defeat York, 4-3. What dazzled the 1,321 spectators, however, was Willie's play in the field. Three of his five putouts were remarkable catches, with throws to third base and home plate illustrating his exceptional throwing arm. In the third inning, he sped backward and leaped high enough to spear a long fly with his bare hand, much to the amazement of the onlookers. It was quickly realized that an unusually gifted player had joined the Trenton team. Although his first season was spectacular in several phases of baseball, Mays showed very little power, connecting only four times for home runs. His first was hit on June 28 in Sunbury, Pa., a grand slam in a 21-8 win. Offered is an interesting card that has just recently been graded as AUTHENTIC by SGC. At first appearance the card appears minimally NM but closer inspection reveals that the card has in fact been altered and displays terrifically but the surface of the card has a wax like feel as if its been sprayed with something. The card does display nicely.