UPDATE: An astounding auction of items from baseball legend Willie Mays has just concluded, generating over $6.5 million in support of his charity, the Say Hey! Foundation. Held on September 28-29, 2023, this two-day event saw 944 lots sold, totaling $6,569,958 including buyer’s premium, according to Hunt Auctions.
This auction is not just a sale; it’s a significant boost for youth services. All proceeds will fund educational, training, and health initiatives for young people as per Mays’ wishes. His foundation, established in 2000, aims to uplift communities by providing essential resources.
Among the remarkable items sold, Mays’ MVP award from his historic 1954 season fetched a staggering $458,250, while his Silver Slugger award sold for $246,750. Additionally, his World Series ring also brought in $458,250. Perhaps most notably, his home uniform worn during the 1962 All-Star Game and World Series was sold for a jaw-dropping $634,500.
The auction also featured Mays’ MVP award from the 1965 season, which sold for $387,750, alongside his Babe Ruth “Sultan of Swat” award that garnered $235,000. A custom 1977 Stutz Blackhawk VI, uniquely marked with a “Built for Willie Mays” placard, brought in $45,237.50. Even the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2015, fetched a remarkable $64,625.
As excitement builds around Mays’ legacy, Hunt Auctions has confirmed another auction from the Mays Collection is planned for late 2025, with anticipated proceeds expected to reach “an additional seven figures.” This upcoming event promises to further engage fans and collectors alike, continuing Mays’ commitment to youth empowerment.
This auction is a testament to Willie Mays’ enduring impact both on and off the field, reminding us of the profound difference one individual can make. As the dust settles on this historic event, the conversation around Mays’ legacy is just beginning.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and prepare for what promises to be another remarkable chapter in Willie Mays’ storied legacy.
