Lot # 49: c.1949 JCM 156? Currency Back Menko Card--Victor Starffin (HOF) (Russia)--First Seen

Category: Baseball Cards

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 8 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Auction 63: Ended 4/9/2022",
which ran from 3/26/2022 7:00 PM to
4/9/2022 11:00 PM



This is the first time we have ever encountered an example of this card. The overall size and design on the back are the same as JCM 156. The front borders and background are the same as JCM 156, but Starffin's name is printed in block letters instead of cursive handwriting. We may never know whether the card is part of the JCM 156 set or not. However, what is undeniable is that the card is rarely seen. This is the only copy extant of which we are aware.

1949 was Victor Starffin's final dominant year in Japan Pro Baseball, He was a regular member of a starting rotation through the end of his career in 1955, but he was not particularly effective during the 1950s. However, in 1949 he went 27-17, 2.61, while leading the league in games, wins and innings pitched. Possibly his 376 IP in 1949 was the cause of his later decline. However, Starffin's 1949 workload paled in comparison to that of the early 1940s. In 1940 and 1941 he had pitched in 458 and 436 innings respectively!

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

Condition: Vg/Ex with a rough hand cut at the top

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