This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/15/2008
Willie Mays remained tremendously popular in New York long after the Giants had left for San Francisco, and his trade to the Mets in 1972 was seen as a coup for the team from a public relations standpoint. In his Mets debut, Mays hit a game-winning home run in the 5th inning against his former team, the Giants. Mays' tenure with the Mets was relatively short. He played part of the 1972 season and all of the 1973 season before he retired. This bat dates from the final season of one of the most prolific careers in baseball. The Adirondack model M63 Willie Mays professional model bat is uncracked and shows evidence of excellent use. The barrel is covered with ball marks and ball stitch impressions. The model number (M63) is stamped into the knob. Also visible on the knob is Mays' number (24) in black marker and the weight of the bat '35' (ounces) written in pencil. The bat measures 35 inches in length. A Willie Mays autograph and added inscription '660' is on the left barrel in black marker. LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Graded GU7).
5,000 USD - 7,000 USD