Williams didn't play in New York. That's a huge contributing factor to price. And for New York-centric fans, his playing for "the enemy" would have made it all the worse. Age-old grudges seemingly still affect prices. Not to mention that NY-themed collectors have always been more willing to whip out their bankrolls than Bostonians. Not said to inspire offense, but the numbers don't lie (and I was a Boston fan if it's any consolation!
).
Mays wasn't exactly known for having a cherubic, fan-friendly persona, either. You actually stood a better shot at having a positive interaction with Williams. But the NYC aspect makes a lot of people overlook less-than-pleasing characteristics.