Lot # 123: 1981 Akio Saito Game Used All Star Game Spikes

Category: Game-Used

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 0 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Auction 61: Ended 6/27/2021",
which ran from 6/9/2021 8:00 PM to
6/26/2021 11:00 PM



These size 26 shoes (U.S. men's size 10) were worn by pitcher Akio Saito in the first game of the 1981 Japan All Star Series. Unfortunately, Saito was tagged with the loss, as his Central League team lost to the Pacific Leaguers by a score of 5-3. The shoes were produced by Asics, and the label on each tongue states, "1981 All Star Games Asics". The shoes have the traditional Asics design overlayed in green leather.

For 17 seasons (1977-1993) Saito was the anchor of the Taiyo Whales pitching staff. From 1977 to 1981 he was a starting pitcher, but after his 5-15, 4.31 record in 1981 (How did he make the 1981 All Star team?), he was converted to the bullpen. For the next six years Saito was the team's closer, He then returned to the starting rotation for the remainder of his career. Overall he went 128-125, 3.52 with 133 saves.

It is incredibly difficult to obtain Japanese game used equipment from 40 years ago. This lot is even more enticing since it was worn in an All Star game.

Size: Japanese 26 (U.S. men's size 10)

Condition: Nice game use

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