Only two copies of this large card are known.  It is part of a set of 10 Hanshin Tigers players.  Betto’s team, position and name are printed horizontally across the bottom of the card in white Japanese text.  Interestingly, “Japan Baseball Federation issued” is printed at lower right in parentheses, making JBR 78 one of the first card sets, if not the first, ever authorized by Japan Pro Baseball!

Known as the Gentleman of Baseball, Betto broke in with the Hanshin Tigers in 1948, batting .328 in 89 games.  The 1949 season was Betto’s first great year, as he batted .322 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI in 127 contests, putting him well on the way to the Hall of Fame.

This is a large, close-up image of Betto’s classic swing.

Blank backed

Size:  3 3/8” x 5 7/8”

Condition:  Ex to Ex+