Willie Mays Auction: Iconic Items to Support Youth Education Programs: The Complete Story
Willie Mays’ Collection Auctioned To Support Youth Services
The personal collection of Willie Mays, including his 1954 World Series ring and two MVP Awards, will be auctioned on September 27 at King Street Warehouse in San Francisco. All proceeds will benefit the Say Hey!
Foundation, established by Mays in 2000 to provide education, training, and health services for youth. This auction marks a significant charitable event leveraging Mays’ legacy to impact future generations.
Auction Timeline And Public Display Details
The auction event on September 27 will feature key memorabilia, while a larger online auction with hundreds of additional items will begin on September
28. Before these sales, the collection will be publicly displayed at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago from July 30 to August
3. This timeline allows collectors and fans nationwide to engage with the items in person and online.
Items Reflecting Mays’ Legendary Career And Honors
Among the items auctioned are Mays’ Presidential Medal of Freedom, his 1963 All-Star Game MVP Award, multiple Gold Glove Awards, and his 1955 baseball glove. These artifacts represent milestones in Mays’ career, which includes 24 All-Star selections and 12 Gold Gloves, underscoring his reputation as one of baseball’s greatest players. The collection’s depth offers rare insights into his decorated achievements.
Foundation’s Mission Rooted In Mays’ Personal History
Jeff Bleich, chair of the Say Hey!
Foundation, emphasized in a press release that Mays credited caring adults for his success despite growing up poor and attending a segregated school without a baseball team. Mays preserved these awards to “pay it forward” and provide opportunities for youth facing similar challenges. The foundation’s mission echoes Mays’ own journey, aiming to replicate the supportive environment that shaped his life.
Willie Mays’ Passing And His Lasting Legacy
Willie Mays passed away on June 18, 2024, at age
93. His death marked the loss of a baseball icon whose career statistics include 660 home runs and a lifetime batting average of .
302. The auction serves as a tribute to his enduring influence, channeling his personal memorabilia into philanthropic efforts that align with his lifelong commitment to community and youth development.
Auction Details And Access For Interested Collectors
Hunt Auctions manages the auction, with detailed information available on their website. The auction’s scope and the high-profile nature of the items are expected to attract significant interest from sports collectors. The event also highlights how sports memorabilia can be mobilized for social impact, combining historical value with charitable giving in a data-supported fundraising effort.
