This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2021.
Arguably the best all around player in Major League Baseball history, Willie Mays was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1979. Mays was a 24-time All-Star, a World Series champion, a two-time National League MVP and led the National League in home runs four times. In addition to his offense, Mays dazzled with the glove, winning 12 Gold Glove Awards while making some legacy-defining catches throughout his career. Presented is a bat used by Mays that was a gift to our consignor on the field. This bat comes with an LOA from our consignor that in part states, “I personally received this baseball bat directly from Willie Mays in 1957. I was lucky enough to be on the field with my mother pre-game during batting practice. Mays handed me his bat to hold while he penned his auto. I shouted to him about his bat and he replied with “keep it kid!”. Manufacturer: Hillerich & Bradsby Model Number: S2 Labeling Period: 1956-57 Length: 35 inches Weight: 33.2 ounces Wood: Ash Finish: Standard. The bat shows evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack that has been repaired. Slight checking is on the back barrel. Numerous ball marks are visible on the right, left and back barrel. The lower handle and knob have been wrapped with tape to enhance the grip. The noted weight of the bat includes the tape application. The S2 model was a favorite of Mays throughout his 23 year career. First ordered in April of 1954, Mays continued to order the model through his final season in 1973. Accompanied by a PSA/DNA LOA grading the bat a GU 9.5 and our consignor’s LOA.