Auction Name: 2025 December 19 - 21 Winter Sports Catalog Auction

Lot Number: 80558

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/50081*80558

1951 Bowman Willie Mays Rookie #305 PSA VG-EX+ 4.5. Even in his very first season of 1951, Willie Mays, the 20-year-old up-and-comer, took charge out on the baseball diamond. Playing in 121 games in his rookie year for the New York Giants, he recorded 127 hits (including 20 home runs and 22 doubles) and drove in 68 runs. He also hit five triples and stole seven bases. He was a star in the making and was recognized by being named the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year.

After being drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after his rookie season ended, he still managed to play the first few weeks of the '52 campaign but missed all of the '53 due to his military obligation. When he returned to play full time, he was already considered one of the best players in MLB. The '54 MLB season, specifically, was one for the record books for Mays. He was not only named NL MVP, but helped the Giants win the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. His career total included 12 Gold Glove awards, 339 steals, a .301 BA, and 660 home runs. His well-deserved induction into Cooperstown took place in 1979.

Presented is Willie's always-in-demand 1951 Bowman rookie card. Exhibiting rich color, good registration, nice centering and a clean reverse, this example of Mays' first-year issue (#305) would make for a key vintage acquisition in anyone's personal collection. Only some surface wear and slight corner wear keep this card from grading higher. Graded PSA VG-EX+ 4.5.

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