One of the best hitters of the 1940s and 1950s, Hiroshi Oshita (1922-1979) was equally famous for his blue bat and his sordid off-the-field behavior. Born in Japan but raised in Taiwan, Oshita entered Japan Pro Baseball in 1946. He was named to eight Best 9 teams during his career. Oshita loved the nightlife and had a legendary appetite for both sake and women. His favorite boast was that he never learned a thing in college. (He attended Meiji U.) However, his .303 lifetime batting average indicates that he learned at least one thing in college--how to hit!

Oshita signed this 1950 JBR 9a bromide card in blue ballpoint pen. JBR 9 cards were originally third prize winner cards offered on display sheets. This is only the second autographed Oshita item that we have ever offered. The first was simply a signature on a piece of paper. Oshita's early death at age 56 has contributed to the difficulty of obtaining copies of his signature.

Size: 2 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Condition: Autograph--6.5 out of 10. Baseball card--Good.