SAN FRANCISCO — The iconic memorabilia of baseball legend Willie Mays, including his 1954 World Series ring and two MVP Awards, is set to be auctioned on September 27 at the King Street Warehouse near Oracle Park in San Francisco. This auction aims to support the Say Hey! Foundation, an organization Mays established in 2000 to provide education, training, and health services for youth.
The auction will feature an array of Mays’ personal treasures, with all proceeds directed towards empowering the next generation. An additional online auction is scheduled for September 28, offering hundreds more items to collectors and fans worldwide. Before these events, the items will be publicly displayed at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago from July 30 to August 3.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Willie Mays’ commitment to youth empowerment stems from his own experiences growing up in a segregated school without a baseball team. According to Jeff Bleich, Mays’ friend and chair of the Say Hey! Foundation, Mays attributes his success to the supportive adults in his life, including his father, Willie “Cat” Mays Sr., his aunties, and his teacher, Mrs. Rice.
“Willie said that he would not have become ‘Willie Mays’ without caring adults in his life who helped him get the education, skills, healthy diet, and inspiration that he needed,” wrote Jeff Bleich in a press release.
In a touching tribute to those who helped him, Mays preserved his most cherished awards with the intention of using them to benefit others. His directive to Dave Hunt at Hunt Auctions was clear: “make this the best auction ever to help those kids.”
Items of Historical Significance
The auction will not only feature Mays’ World Series ring and MVP Awards but will also include his Presidential Medal of Freedom, his 1963 All-Star Game MVP Award, and several Gold Glove Awards. These items represent milestones in a career that many consider the greatest in baseball history.
Mays’ impact on the sport was profound, and his accolades reflect a legacy of excellence. His 1954 World Series ring, a symbol of his triumph with the New York Giants, is particularly significant, marking a pivotal moment in baseball history.
Remembering a Legend
Willie Mays passed away on June 18, 2024, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the baseball diamond. His contributions to the sport and his philanthropic efforts continue to inspire fans and athletes alike.
The upcoming auction represents a unique opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of baseball history while contributing to a cause that was close to Mays’ heart. As the baseball community gathers to celebrate his life and achievements, the auction serves as a reminder of the enduring impact one individual can have on future generations.
For more details on the auction and the items available, interested parties can visit the Hunt Auctions website.
