Willie Mays's game-used Louisville Slugger personal model baseball bat from the 1971 All-Star Game in Detroit, signed on the barrel in black felt tip by Mays. The special bat is engraved on the barrel, "All Star Game, Willie Mays, Detroit 1971," and on the knob, "S2"; the knob is also marked with his number in black felt tip, "24." Made by Hillerich & Bradsby, the ash bat measures 34.75″ long and weighs 33.2 ounces. It is uncracked and shows evidence of excellent use, including several ball marks and stitch impressions, green and blue bat rack streaks, and a light coat of pine tar on the handle. Accompanied by a letter of grading and authenticity from PSA/DNA, grading it as "PSA GU 10."
Mays started in center field and hit in the leadoff position for the National League at the 1971 midsummer classic, held at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. It was the 22nd All-Star appearance of his legendary career, in the year that marked his last full season as a Giant. Although he went 0-2, he connected in both plate appearances: he led off the game with a ground out to shortstop, and flew out to right field in the third inning. Exhibiting excellent use and dating to a specific, star-studded match up—the 1971 AL and NL All-Star teams combined for a total of 25 future Hall of Famers—this is an exemplary game-used bat from an all-time great.
