The 1952 JGA 38 Osato Gangu Color Cards are orders of magnitude scarcer than the 1951 black & white issue. Only two copies are known of this card of Japan Hall of Famer Shigeru Mizuhara, and this is the first that has ever been offered to the public. Mizuhara has Hall of Fame credentials as both a player and manager. In college, Mizuhara was a star third baseman and pitcher. He played for the All Japan team against the touring U.S. All Star team that featured Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Known for his intensity, he was kicked out of college baseball for throwing an apple into the stands of the opposing team's fans! As the starting third baseman for the Yomiuri Giants from 1936 to 1942, Mizuhara was considered the league's best. He was named league MVP in 1942. Mizuhara was unable to accept the award personally as he was fighting with the Japanese Imperial Army at the time. Later during World War II, he was captured and spent four years as a POW in Siberia. Upon his return, he became manager of the Yomiuri Giants, leading them to eight pennants between 1950 and 1960.

Size: 1 5/8" x 2 9/16"

Condition: Ex/Mt