1953 Topps #244 Willie Mays PSA NM 7

1953 Topps #244 Willie Mays PSA 7 – A "Say Hey" Classic from the Heart of the Golden Era

By 1953, Willie Mays was just beginning to showcase the five-tool greatness that would define his legendary career. After winning Rookie of the Year in 1951 and missing most of 1952 for military service, Mays returned to the Giants and baseball with unmatched flair, grace, and explosiveness. His combination of speed, power, defense, and charisma made him a generational icon—and by the end of his 22-year career, he would notch 660 home runs, 12 Gold Gloves, 24 All-Star appearances, and a permanent place among the game's greatest ever.

The 1953 Topps #244 is a true work of art. With its hand-painted portrait and soft red backdrop, it captures the youthful intensity and promise of a 22-year-old Mays on the cusp of stardom. As the final card in the 1953 Topps set, it's condition-sensitive and notoriously difficult to find in higher grades due to top-of-stack wear. This PSA 7 example stands out with rich color, clean borders, strong centering, and minimal wear for the grade—offering both vintage charm and strong eye appeal.

Mays’ 1953 Topps card isn’t just a second-year issue—it’s a cornerstone of postwar collecting. A bold, beautiful tribute to “The Say Hey Kid” at the start of his ascent, this card brings both historical weight and timeless visual appeal to any elite collection.