Tetsuharu Kawakami, known as the God of Batting, was the greatest hitter of his generation. After retirement as an active player, he went on to become Japan Pro Baseball's most successful manager ever, piloting the Yomiuri Giants to an incredible nine consecutive Japan Series titles. A conversation with Joe DiMaggio in 1950 changed Kawakami's philosophy of hitting. DiMaggio suggested that Kawakami concentrate on hitting line drives rather than homers. Kawakami took the Yankee Clipper's advice. In 1951, Kawakami batted .377 and struck out only six times. By the end of his career as an active player, Kawakami had won three MVP awards and five batting titles.

This large size JK 5 karuta card contains an excellent caricature of the "Man with the Red Bat".

Size: 2 7/8" x 4"

Condition: Nm/Mt to Mint--right out of the box.