1972 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants Game-Used Road Flannel Uniform

Willie Mays’ Final San Francisco Giants Uniform: A Piece of Baseball History

The Legacy of “The Say Hey Kid”

Willie Mays, affectionately known as “The Say Hey Kid,” is celebrated as one of the greatest all-around players in the history of baseball. His illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades, including two MVP awards and a record-tying twenty-four appearances in the All-Star Game. Mays concluded his career with an impressive 660 home runs, securing his place as a legend in the annals of Major League Baseball.

In 1999, Mays was honored as the highest-ranking living player on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, placing second overall. His remarkable achievements include a World Championship in 1954, twelve Gold Glove Awards, and the distinction of being named the 1951 Rookie of the Year. Mays was also a two-time All-Star Game MVP and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

A Historic Uniform

This particular uniform is believed to be the last worn by Willie Mays as a member of the San Francisco Giants. The Giants began the 1972 season wearing flannels before transitioning to knits. Mays was traded to the New York Mets just 19 games into the season, never donning a knit uniform as a Giant. This makes the flannel uniform a significant piece of baseball memorabilia.

• Jersey Details: The jersey features “SAN FRANCISCO” across the front, with Mays’ iconic number “24” on the back, crafted in black on orange tackle twill.
• Pants Details: The matching pants include a “Spalding” manufacturer’s tag and a “72” year label, with a strip tag indicating “Mays 24-32-25” for player name, number, pants size, and inseam.
• Provenance: The uniform was presented to us as game-used and, in our opinion, shows appropriate use.

A Moment in Time

The uniform is accompanied by a photograph from May 6, 1972, taken at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Philadelphia, PA, just five games before Mays’ trade to the Mets. This snapshot captures a pivotal moment in Mays’ career, adding to the uniform’s historical significance.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this uniform represents not just a piece of fabric but a tangible connection to Willie Mays’ storied career. It is a testament to his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game of baseball. As part of our sports memorabilia auctions, this item offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history associated with one of baseball’s most revered figures.

Explore more about our offerings and consider adding this extraordinary artifact to your baseball collection. Whether you are looking to sell sports memorabilia or simply appreciate the rich history of the game, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner in the world of sports memorabilia.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.