This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
Even with the inflated offensive production that seems to currently characterize Major League Baseball, few players will ever compile numbers like Willie Mays' 660 home runs and 3,283 hits. His record 24 All-Star Game selections seem to be well out of reach, and his 11 Gold Gloves are not an easily accomplished feat. All in all, Mays was perhaps the greatest five-tool player of all time. Without question, he excelled at hitting for average and power, fielding, throwing, and running the bases. Mays wore this home knit San Francisco Giants uniform during the 1972 season. Since the Giants first wore knit uniforms in 1972 and Mays was traded to the Mets during the 1972 season, this was the only season he could have worn a Giants knit uniform. In the neck of the jersey is a white tackle twill patch with the player name "Mays" sewn in black chain stitch. On the left front tail is the "McAuliffe" manufacturer's tag. Above it is the year tag "1972" and below it is the size tag "42." The wash tag is also on the left front tail. The team name "Giants" has been sewn across the front of the jersey and the player number "24" has been sewn across the back. All of the letters and numbers are made of black felt on an orange tackle twill backing. The jersey has pulls on the front lettering and a few pulls and separations on the back numbers. There is an autograph on the left breast rating a 7. Included with the uniform are pants. In the waistband is the "McAuliffe" manufacturer's tag and below it is the year tag "1972." There is a white felt patch with "Mays 32 24" sewn in black chain stitch, denoting player name, waist size, and inseam, respectively. The wash tag is also in the waistband. The tagging on the jersey and pants is consistent with that of other Giants jerseys manufactured by McAuliffe. The uniform shows game use with even wear throughout and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Its provenance is impeccable as our consignor obtained it directly from his uncle, the Giants' equipment manager at the time. The autograph comes with a letter from PSA/DNA.