Masao Date, both a pitcher and catcher, played for Waseda University from 1928 until 1932, and then joined the All Osaka team, where he played and managed into the 1950s. He also was a member of the All Japan team that faced the U.S. Major League All Star teams on their 1931 and 1934 Tours of Japan. He declined the opportunity to become a professional baseball player when Japan Pro Baseball debuted in 1936. This is a first edition hardcover biography published in 1988. The signature, inscribed with a traditional brush pen, includes a Japanese expression and inscription. Date (born 1911) has handwritten the date of June 1989 (Showa 63). He was inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Date passed away in 1992.

Size: 5 1/2" X 7 1/2". 242 pages.

Condition: The signature grades 10 out of 10. The book and dust jacket are in like new condition.