In 1947, Tadayoshi Kajioka (1920-2003) began his Japan Pro Baseball career with a bang. A right handed pitcher, he went 22-8, 1.97 in his rookie season with the Osaka Tigers. He followed that up with a 26-17, 2.54 record in his sophomore season, his highlight of the year coming when he threw a no hitter against the Nankai Hawks. After a few less impressive seasons, he had a career renaissance in 1952, winning 21 games while losing only eight, and fashioning a career low 1.71 ERA. By 1955 he was out of baseball after arm problems curtailed his career. The bromide baseball card he autographed is uncatalogued, so we are not sure what year it was issued. However, based on its size and extra glue and paper on the back, we feel that it was originally a third or fourth prize winner on a display sheet. Kajioka signed the card with a blue fountain pen c. 1950.

Size: 2 1/4" X 3 1/8"

Condition: Autograph--7 out of 10. Card--Extra paper and glue residue on the blank back from having been originally issued on a display sheet by the manufacturer. The card would be Nm, but there are several specks of paper glued to the front.