2022 WINTER PREMIER AUCTION
Wed, Jan 19, 2022 09:00PM EST - Thu, Jun 2, 2022 10:08AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 505
CLASSIC 1975 TOPPS #293 FLY WILLIAMS BASKETBALL CARD - PSA 9 - ABA SPIRITS OF ST. LOUIS - NYC PLAYGROUND LEGEND - ONLY (7) GRADED HIGHER - 'FLY IS OPE
Sold for
$120
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
One of the colorful characters in the American Basketball Association, Fly Williams, is featured on this PSA MT 9 basketball card from the 1975 Topps set. It is Fly's lone hoop card, a delightful and classic pose.
Fly was a New York City playground legend, migrated south to be a college star at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, prompting the strange and humorous, "Fly is open. Let's go Peay!" cheer.
Fly was also a primary subject of the iconic basketball book HEAVEN IS A PLAYGROUND by author Rick Telander.
Williams was drafted into the ABA by the Denver Nuggets in 1974, and would eventually find himself with the Spirits of St. Louis, but unfortunately his pro career never took off after the NBA-ABA merger.
His name would eventually regain prominence, but not in a good way. In 2017, the former star was arrested and charged for allegedly running a massive drug ring in Brooklyn.
