Title: Controversy Erupts Over Willie Mays’ Memorabilia Auction
In an unexpected twist within the sports memorabilia realm, Michael Mays, son of the legendary San Francisco Giants player Willie Mays, is vocally opposing an upcoming auction of his father’s cherished possessions. The event, organized by the Say Hey Foundation, is set for September 27 and features items some believe should be preserved as part of Mays’ legacy.
Background on the Auction
The auction is bringing to light several significant artifacts from Willie Mays’ life and career. Among the highlighted items are:
- 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom: A major honor awarded to Mays, recognizing his contributions beyond baseball.
- Honorary Doctorate Degrees: From prestigious institutions such as San Francisco State, Dartmouth, and Yale.
- 1962 “Babe Ruth Sultan of Swat” Crown: A unique non-MLB batting award, showcasing Mays’ skills and achievements.
Michael Mays argues that these items are not mere collectibles but essential parts of his father’s legacy that should remain with the family or be entrusted to reputable institutions. "I’ve respectfully asked: Can these items be kept in a trust so they don’t wind up on a plastic surgeon’s desk in LA, or in a garage in Dubai?" he expressed during an interview with AL.com.
Foundation’s Perspective
The Say Hey Foundation, established by Mays in 2000, stands to benefit from the proceeds of the auction. Michael, however, notes a disconnect, stating that he has not been involved in discussions with the foundation regarding the future of the specific items in question. He suggests a different path for these treasured possessions, including loaning the Medal of Freedom to the Smithsonian and possibly entrusting additional artifacts to the Giants organization. So far, he has yet to receive a response to these proposals.
In response, David Hunt, the auctioneer and president of Hunt Auctions, asserts that the sale is consistent with Willie Mays’ intentions. "Willie’s main wish was for these pieces to be sold to his fans, and even more so, to be sold to benefit those who started out life in much the way that he did," Hunt said, framing the auction as a way to honor Mays’ legacy.
Michael’s Concerns and Previous Criticisms
This isn’t the first time Michael Mays has voiced concerns over the commercialization of his father’s memorabilia. He previously criticized another auction where a signed pair of his father’s underwear sold for over $2,200, labeling the sale as "disgusting." Such sentiments reflect a deeper struggle between the commercial value of sports memorabilia and the personal significance these items hold for family members.
Significance of the Dispute
The upcoming auction highlights not only the ongoing interest in Willie Mays’ memorabilia but also raises questions about how best to preserve the legacies of iconic figures. As the auction approaches, the discussions surrounding these items continue to gain traction, drawing attention to the broader theme of whether personal legacies should be preserved for public benefit or kept within the family.
In conclusion, this situation reflects the complexities surrounding memorabilia in the sports industry. With Michael Mays advocating for a protective stance on his father’s legacy while the auction proceeds as planned, the outcomes could set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future. As fans await September 27, the implications of this auction will likely echo within the sports community for years to come.
For those interested in the auction details and items, please check the Say Hey Foundation’s official communications for updates.
