After World War II ended, it wasn't until 1947 that baseball cards were widely produced in Japan. While many of these 1947 issues contain images of the player wearing his 1946 uniform, the text on the card nearly always refers to the player as a member of his 1947 team. For example, Hall of Famer Kazuto Tsuruoka is often pictured on cards wearing his 1946 Great Ring team uniform, but the accompanying text generally lists him as a member of the Hawks (his 1947 team). This card is an exception.

On the card offered here, the text on the front lists Kazuto Tsuruoka as a member of the Great Ring team. Only a few other cards ever found, including one of Victor Starffin and another of Hiroshi Oshita, have the player's 1946 team listed on the card. Therefore, this is a special card in that was almost assuredly printed in 1946. Furthermore, this is the only example known of this card.

In 1946, Tsuruoka was player/manager of Great Ring. He led the team to the league pennant that season. Moreover, he was named league MVP after batting .314 with 95 RBI and 30 stolen bases over the 105 game season.

Blank backed card.

Size: 1 3/4" x 2 7/8"

Condition: Ex to Ex/Mt