After debuting with the New York Giants in 1951, Mays quickly established himself as a budding superstar. Whether it was hitting for average, blasting home runs, stealing bases, or making a spectacular catch in the outfield, Mays was the prototypical five-tool player. A National League All-Star for an unbelievable 20 consecutive seasons, the "Say Hey Kid" is one of only three players in history to amass over 3,000 hits and 500 homers. His 660 career home runs rank sixth on the all time list, although many pundits peg Mays as the greatest ballplayer ever.
In 1965 at age 34, Willie hit a career-high 52 homers while also leading the NL in OBP, Slugging, OPS and Total Bases. He batted .317, won his ninth straight Gold Glove (a streak that would end at a record twelve), and was named NL MVP for the second time. Presented here is a 1965 San Francisco Giants game worn jersey signed and inscribed by the recently deceased baseball legend. The white home flannel jersey with proper 1965 tagging was repurposed for local Bay Area amateur league use by the team, according to detailed provenance provided by the consignor.
The authentic Mays autograph and "1965 M.V.P." inscription was done in bold black marker. While the black-on-orange "GIANTS" felt letters across the front appear to be all-original, the verso "24" in the same color format was clearly added at later date as the numbers are done in contemporary tackle twill material. In addition, the strip tag with the player's last name has been removed from the rear collar. Apparently, the Giants equipment staff removed both the back numbers and player name tags in order to protect the identity of each donated jersey; they didn't want the local amateur ballplayers who received them to fight over their favorite Giant. On the left front tail is the correct Tim McAuliffe manufacturer label with "65" year and "42" size strip tags. The black and orange trim around the collar and sleeve ends appear original. Overall, the shirt shows heavy wear with light staining and soiling
We did not submit this shirt for third-party jersey authentication due to its repurposing background, so the Giants player who originally wore this is unknown. I guess there is a possibility that it was issued to and worn by the real #24 at one point, but there's no way of knowing. Still, it's a real '65 Giants professional model jersey with a real Willie Mays signature. Quite an impressive display item to boast about. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA for the autograph and inscription. Paperwork includes notarized letters from two former players on the L&L Giants, an amateur night league team based in Sacramento, CA. The S.F. Giants team source was assistant clubhouse manager, Lou Brinson.
