1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays - Mays Fan Club Collection - PSA NM-MT 8

Graded NM-MT 8 by PSA (09090087). Hall of Famer, in his first Topps gum card appearance. Among a total of more than 3,100 copies recorded in PSA's census reporting, fewer than one-half of 1 percent have attained a higher, unqualified tier. Offered here is an unbelievably fresh and original example of Topps' 1952 gum card depiction of Willie Mays. Descriptions of high-end, vintage cards naturally tend to expound the degree of preservation enjoyed by a particular specimen. It's apparent that those aspects must be referenced in superlative terms here! The distinguishing features of this incredible Mays second-year card are found in its origins. This one was obviously superior to virtually all others at the time it left the factory. Seldom does a '52 Topps card deliver such brilliance of print or luster of surface. Blindingly precise distribution of color, jet-black lettering, crisp border elements, and fantastic gloss are all immediately observable. The card has been shielded against time's effects, yes, but this one was several levels above its counterparts on the very day it was made. And it has remained so. Pinpoint corners, quality image alignment, and a breathtaking aesthetic are all affirmed in this masterpiece. This is simply one of the finest 1952 Topps Mays to change hands within the scope of recent memory. The piece is additionally distinguished by provenance that includes the "Mays Fan Club Collection," a highly regarded assembly of Willie Mays collectibles.

Former New York/San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Birmingham Black Barons star Willie Mays stands among baseball's most revered figures. A true five-tool player, Mays' languid excellence on the diamond thrilled fans across the country. The two-time National League Most Valuable Player made 24 NL All-Star teams and won the 1954 World Series with the Giants in a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians. The second member of the 600 Home Run Club, Mays finished his career with 660 home runs, 3,293 hits, 1,909 RBI, and a sterling .301 batting average. The "Say Hey Kid" was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 after appearing on 409 of a possible 432 ballots.

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