Offered is the New York Giants cap worn by Willie Mays during the earliest and most important time of his career. 1951 introduced the baseball world to a young man equipped with a complete set of five unrefined tools and All-Star potential. By the time the franchise packed up and headed West in '58, the boy had become a man, his tools were razor sharp, and his future was assured in Cooperstown. Based on its appearance, this black wool cap with a battered "NY" logo sewn in orange on front was undoubtedly with him for a great deal of that time. The visor literally melts in the hand after countless curls by Willie to protect his eyes from the sun in centerfield and the seasons of sweat that drenched its inner support. The leather headband, absent of any of its original tagging, is dried and cracked through out and inner shell is toned, again from sweat. The original button on top is missing and under the visor, written in faded black marker is "Paul". This cap was given to Arthur Susskind Jr. by Willie Mays, who subsequently gave it to his son Paul. LOA from the Susskind family.