Auction Item Details
Lot 26
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Lot Number: 26
Description: 1950 Willie Mays Fairfield Industrial High School Diploma. Original framed diploma as presented to Willie Howard Mays, Jr. on May 31, 1950 for his graduation from Fairfield Industrial High School in Alabama. The certificate notes that Mays "has completed the Vocational Course of Study in Cleaning, Dyeing, and Pressing" earning his graduation from the school. Not surprisingly, Mays excelled at several sports while attending the school including basketball and football. However, the school Principal E.T. Oliver had threatened to suspend Mays for playing a professional sport as he had joined the Birmingham Black Barons to play in the Negor Leagues while still in high school. Willie's father arranged an agreement with Principal Oliver that the younger Mays would only play in the Barons home games and in return would still play football for the Fairfield High School team. Oliver himself, and three other school officials, have signed this very document at the bottom in black ink. Overall size of 13"x16" in walnut wooden frame with a few surface creases and some scattered age toning. This very diploma, along with the individual graduation portrait also in this auction, was prominently displayed in Willie Mays' personal office at his home outside San Francisco and was undoubtedly held in special regard as such. Includes certificate of provenance from the Willie Mays Collection: VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($1,500-$3,000)
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