In 1950, Kaoru Betto (d. 1999) joined the Mainichi Orions after spending the first two season of his pro career with the Osaka Tigers. Betto enjoyed the change of scenery, leading the Orions, an expansion team, to the first Japan Series title. He batted .335 for the year and led the league with 43 homers and 105 RBI. He received the Pacific League Most Valuable Player award, and was subsequently named MVP of the 1950 Japan series. Betto is pictured here wearing his 1950 Orions uniform on a page of an unknown magazine. Interestingly, we can see Betto's surname inscribed on the knob of the bat that he's holding in the picture. This is a c. 1950 autograph, which was quite difficult to obtain at the time. A brown paper backing has been added to the magazine page. Autographed in blue ink.

Size: 6 3/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition: Autograph--9 out of 10. Magazine page--hand cut from magazine--Ex/Mt.