See Willie Mays Make “The Catch” in 1954

Relive what has been called "The Greatest Play Ever Made" by Giants center fielder Willie Mays during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series at the Polo Grounds in New York.

1997 Willie Mays "The Catch" Statue and an image of "The Catch" (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Feb 18, 2019

BY Molly Hall

At the 2018 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event held at the Hotel del Coronado, a man brought a 1997 Willie Mays "The Catch" Statue to find out its value. Turns out the memorable play is worth much more to baseball history, but expert Grant Zahajko estimated the "unusual collectible" is worth $1,200-$1,500 at auction.

"The Catch" refers to the unforgettable catch by New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays during Game 1 of their 1954 World Series match-up versus the Cleveland Indians. With the game tied in the eighth inning. Mays made an effortless-looking over-the-shoulder catch, on the run, 420 feet deep in center field. Mays' miraculous play saved a run. The Giants won the game on a walk-off home run in the 10th inning, and ultimately swept the Indians in four games to take the 1954 championship title.