Willie Mays Auction: Memorabilia & Personal Items
Willie Mays’ Legacy Continues: Personal Collection to Benefit Say Hey! Foundation
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Even a year after his passing, the impact of Willie Mays extends far beyond the baseball diamond. A remarkable collection of personal items from the legendary player will be auctioned off on September 27th in San Francisco, with all proceeds dedicated to the Say Hey! Foundation – an institution deeply meaningful to Mays himself.
A Lifetime of Honors Up for Auction
The auction, taking place at the King Street Warehouse event space adjacent to Oracle Park, presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. Mays’ collection includes some of the moast significant accolades from his illustrious career, offering fans and collectors alike a tangible connection to a true icon.
Highlights of the auction include:
1954 World Series Ring: Commemorating the New York Giants’ victory, a symbol of Mays’ early success.
National League MVP Trophies (1954 & 1965): Representing his exceptional talent and dominance over two decades.
National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ring (1979): A testament to his enduring legacy and place among the game’s greatest.
Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015): The nation’s highest civilian honor,recognizing his contributions both on and off the field.
Beyond these centerpiece items, hundreds of additional pieces from the Willie Mays Collection will be available in an online-onyl offering beginning September 28th.
A Commitment to Children: The Say Hey! Foundation
Mays founded the Say hey! Foundation in 2000, driven by a profound belief in the potential of every child. The foundation provides vital resources – including education, training, and health services – to underprivileged children, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
“For all of his remarkable achievements as a baseball player, Willie Mays wanted his enduring legacy to be helping children,” said Jeff Bleich, Mays’ friend and chair of the Say Hey! Foundation. “Willie believed that every child deserves the chance to make the most of their talents.”
Bleich recalls Mays’ specific instruction to Dave Hunt at Hunt Auctions, the firm presenting the event: “Make this the best auction ever to help those kids.” This directive underscores Mays’ unwavering dedication to the foundation’s mission.
Remembering a Baseball Legend
Willie mays wasn’t just a baseball player; he was a cultural icon. A 24-time All-Star,he finished his career with 660 home runs and 3,000 hits - a feat accomplished by only four players in MLB history. His remarkable blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his status as arguably the greatest player in baseball history.Mays passed away on june 18, 2024, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of athletic brilliance and unwavering philanthropy.
Auction Preview and Details
Fans will have opportunities to view the collection before the auction. The first public display will be at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago from July 30th to August 3rd. Additional special event previews will be held in the Bay Area, with details to be announced soon.
For more facts about the auction and the Say Hey! Foundation, visit Hunt Auctions and Say Hey! Foundation.