1972-73 Willie Mays New York Mets Game-Used Cleats
(Sourced From Mets Museum • Equipment/Clubhouse Manager LOA)
Willie Mays’ Vintage Cleats: A Testament to Baseball History
A Legendary Legacy
In the pantheon of baseball greats, few names resonate as profoundly as Willie Mays. Known for his exceptional prowess on the field, Mays’ career spanned an illustrious 23 seasons, culminating in his final years with the New York Mets. It is with great reverence that we present a pair of vintage cleats, steeped in history and worn by the legendary outfielder himself.
Details of the Artifact
These black leather cleats, adorned with the player number “24” (faded) on the inside tongue, are a remarkable piece of baseball memorabilia. The metal spikes on the bottom and the faded inside soles speak to their storied past. These cleats are properly tagged, were presented to us as game-used and in our opinion, show appropriate use.
- Player Number: Faded “24” on the inside tongue
- Material: Black leather with metal spikes
- Condition: Properly tagged, showing appropriate use
Provenance and Historical Context
Accompanying these cleats is a copied Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from Ron Taylor, a former equipment/clubhouse manager for the Lynchburg Mets. Taylor recounts a fascinating discovery: “The parent club, the New York Mets sent their used equipment to their farm clubs each year…I unzipped a ball bag marked game balls that had come from them and found inside a […] pair of baseball shoes marked #24 on the tongues…I feel certain that the baseball gear I discovered that were all marked with his name and number must have been mistakenly stored in the ball bag back in the early 70’s and forgotten about until I opened it in the Spring of 1976. They have been in my possession until now.”
This narrative is further enriched by a description plaque from the Mets museum, which reads, “GETTING A LEG UP – Legendary outfielder Willie Mays spent the last of his 23 Hall of Fame seasons with the Mets, and ran around the Shea Stadium diamond that summer in these vintage cleats.”
Why These Cleats Matter
The significance of these cleats extends beyond their physical form. They are a tangible connection to Willie Mays’ enduring legacy and his final chapter with the Mets. As a piece of sports memorabilia, they offer a unique glimpse into the life of a player who redefined excellence on the baseball diamond.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these cleats represent an opportunity to own a fragment of baseball history. Their provenance, coupled with the storied career of Willie Mays, makes them an invaluable addition to any baseball collection.
Join the Legacy
As you consider adding these cleats to your collection, remember that they are more than just footwear; they are a symbol of a legendary career and a testament to the rich history of baseball. Explore more baseball collectibles for sale and become a part of this enduring legacy.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.