As exceptional as the man himself, this circa 1969-72 Willie Mays game used bat is a near-perfect example. Still considered by many to be the best player in MLB history, "Say Hey" was much more than his 660 career home runs, .301 lifetime batting average, and 339 stolen bases. Mays was a player to watch at all times, earning 12 Gold Gloves for defensive excellence; while he popularized the "basket catch" for routine plays, Willie covered the expansive center field pasture at the Polo Grounds like no other and was dynamic at every phase of the game. Nearing the end of his legendary career, Mays amassed 82 home runs in the four seasons covering this labeling period; one can only imagine how many were struck with this very piece of lumber. This is a Hillerich & Bradsby model S2 Willie Mays professional model bat. Length: 35”, weight: 32.3 ounces, wood: ash, finish: flame burned. Uncracked and exhibiting evidence of excellent use. Several ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right, left and back barrel. Ball marks include black ink transfers. Green bat rack streaks can be seen on the front barrel, right barrel and handle. The model number (S2) is stamped into the knob and Mays’ number (24) is written on the knob in fading black marker. The style of the ‘24’ has been identified as being drawn by Mays himself. Accompanied by a letter from PSA/DNA, grading 9.5.