1971 Willie Mays SF Giants Game-Used Flannel Uniform

Willie Mays’ 1971 Road Uniform: A Legendary Piece of Baseball History

An Iconic Artifact

For over 35 years, this extraordinary 1971 road uniform of the legendary Willie Mays has been privately owned, now making its debut at auction. This complete uniform, along with other personal mementos, was a gift from Mays to his longtime friend, Jimmie Hayes. The provenance of this piece is impeccable, having been preserved in the same condition as when it was originally gifted.

Historical Significance

The uniform is not just a garment; it is a testament to a pivotal moment in baseball history. This jersey was worn by Mays during the 1971 MLB season, including on April 28, 1971, and during a road game against the Cubs in May 1971. Moreover, it was donned by Mays during a home run contest against Harmon Killebrew on August 9, 1971, where Mays triumphed with a score of 6-4. This contest drew an audience twice the size of the Twins’ regular season games, underscoring Mays’ enduring appeal.

• Last Full Season: This uniform represents Mays’ last full season with the Giants before his trade to the NY Mets in 1972.
• Custom Tailoring: The uniform features custom tailoring specifications requested by Mays, including tapered sleeves and under-arm gussets.
• Game-Worn Condition: The jersey and pants exhibit signs of game use, with soft puckering and original creases, reflecting a full season’s worth of wear.

Exquisite Craftsmanship

The jersey is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring “SAN FRANCISCO” arched across the chest and Mays’ iconic number “24” on the back, both in black on orange tackle twill. The collar bears a chain-stitched “Mays” on a white felt strip tag, and the bottom left tail features a Wilson size 42 tag with a chain-stitched “1971” tag. The pants, equally impressive, include a Wilson size 32 label and custom tailoring specs handwritten inside the waistband.

A Collector’s Dream

This uniform is of museum quality and condition, offering an unparalleled opportunity for the discerning collector to acquire a piece of baseball history. The flannel jersey remains in superb condition, with all original buttons intact and no damage or stains. Presented to us as game-used, it shows excellent wear, accompanied by letters from Sports Investors Authentication and Photo-Match.com, confirming its authenticity and historical significance.

For those passionate about baseball memorabilia, this is a rare chance to own a uniform from perhaps the greatest complete player of all time. Whether you are looking to consign sports memorabilia or explore our extensive collection, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a gateway to the world of elite sports memorabilia auctions. This Willie Mays uniform is not just a piece of fabric; it is a fragment of baseball’s rich tapestry, waiting to be cherished by its next custodian.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.