You are bidding on a Type 1 Original Photograph of Willie Mays being presented with a silver bat, commemorating his 1954 batting title, by National League President, Warren Giles at The Polo Grounds on June, 1955 before a game with the Chicago Cubs.

Those facts are found on the original snipe still attached to the photo.

The picture is amazingly clear for a 70 year old photo, and the corners are sharp.

Why this is a special photo

  • The Subject: Willie Mays is the gold standard for post-war baseball photography. Many baseball fans consider the hall of famer to be the greatest centerfielder in the history of the game.

  • Type 1 Status: The INP stamp and the attached snipe dated June 5, 1955 (exactly when the event occurred) are the primary indicators that this is a true Type 1. 

  • The Photographer: Dick McEvilly worked for INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS, whose stamp appears on the verso. He was active primarily in the 1940s and 1950s, frequently covering the New York baseball beat

  • Condition: No rips, tears, or creases and, has sharp corners. This condition is rare in the vintage photo market, where newsroom photos were handled roughly—marked with grease pencils or cropped for print.

Watermark text not on photo.

Good luck with your bidding.