Willie Mays has once again proved his legendary status by smashing records in the world of sports memorabilia. The 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card recently sold for an eye-popping $390,935 at the Robert Edward Auctions’ Summer Catalog Auction, leaving collectors and enthusiasts in awe.

This particular card, the finest graded example to grace the auction arena in over 15 years, attracted fierce competition among bidders. With only eight PSA 9 cards and none in a PSA 10 grade in existence, the rarity and allure of this iconic card were undeniable, leading to an intense bidding war that culminated in a historic sale.

A PSA 8 version of the same Willie Mays rookie card had previously fetched $207,400 at another auction house, Goldin, just the week before. Clearly, the demand for Mays’ rookie cards is soaring higher than a pop fly at a baseball game on a scorching summer day.

As the gavel fell on the record-breaking sale, the proceeds now head towards funding a college scholarship endowment—a touching gesture that not only cements the card’s place in history but also contributes to shaping the future of deserving students. A true win-win scenario!

The Summer Catalog Auction didn’t stop at Mays’ card; it was a grand slam in its own right. With over $13.3 million amassed from more than 82,000 bids across nearly 3,200 lots, the event showcased the passion and enthusiasm of the collecting community. Thirteen items crossed the six-figure mark, highlighting the fervor surrounding sports memorabilia.

Among the standout sales was a 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie PSA 4.5 that set a new record at $162,000—the highest ever for that grade. An autographed 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella rookie with a PSA 9 signature grade fetched $132,000, while a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card (PSA 7 with a 7 autograph rating) commanded $120,000.

Not to be outdone, a 1936-1937 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals game-used road jersey scored a respectable $114,000, establishing a record for Dizzy Dean memorabilia. The auction also witnessed several other impressive sales that proved the insatiable appetite for top-tier collectibles:

– 1933 R338 Sport Kings #2 Babe Ruth PSA NM-MT 8 – $120,000

– 1915 Boston Red Sox Real-Photo Team Postcard with Babe Ruth Rookie – $114,000

– 1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson Rookie PSA GEM MINT 10 – $111,000

– 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Glove Shows PSA EX+ 5.5 (Broad Leaf 460 Back) – $111,000

– 1979-1980 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie PSA MINT 9 – $105,000

– 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson SGC GOOD+ 2.5 – $102,000 (record for SGC grade)

– 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth PSA NM 7 – $96,000 (record for the card)

– 1984-1985 Star Company Basketball #101 Michael Jordan Rookie BGS NM-MT+ 8.5 – $52,800 (record for Beckett grade)

Brian Dwyer, President of REA, expressed gratitude towards the consignors and bidders for their contribution to another record-breaking auction. The excitement doesn’t end here, as REA’s upcoming September Encore Auction promises more thrilling opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Mark your calendars for September 12-22, because the thrill of the auction arena is far from over.

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