While we have seen similar looking giant bromides of Kozuru in the past, this is the first time in our 32 years dealing in Japanese baseball cards that we have seen an example of this card. Makoto Kozuru, known as Japan's Joe DiMaggio, played Japan Pro Baseball from 1942 to 1958 with the Dragons, Flyers, Stars, Robins and Carp. He may be Japan's most overlooked superstar. He is the holder of three all time single season records, all set in the same season. In 1950, he had 161 RBI, 143 runs scored and 376 total bases. Additionally, in 1950, he hit .355 with 51 homers. Naturally, he won the Central League MVP award that year, leading the Robins to the league pennant. And that .355 batting average was no fluke. Kozuru had batted .361 in 1949! The baseball card offered here is unusual, especially in that Kozuru's name, team name and position (outfielder) are printed in green ink. Also, Kozuru is seen wearing his 1951 uniform, as identified by the robin seen on the left sleeve over the 1950 league championship pennant. Blank backed.

Size: 7 5/8" x 10 1/8"

Condition: Creasing, minor paper loss, and two pinholes along the top. A crease in the lower left corner. Some darkening on the back at the upper left corner. Overall--Good.