The 1975 Hiroshima Carp Red Helmet dynasty began in 1975. The Red Helmets were the Japanese equivalent of Cincinnati's big Red machine. Their uniforms were almost identical, and both teams were winners. The Red Helmets won five pennants and three Japan Series championships between 1975 and 1986. These photos were taken and signed at the very beginning of the 1975 season and depict the three American members of the team.

Joe Lutz, the first mainland American to manage in Japan Pro Baseball, was the team's manager--at least at the beginning of the season. The former Cleveland Indians coach left the team early in the season after an umpiring dispute! His sole contribution to the dynasty was the introduction of the red helmets worn by the players. Outfielder Richie Scheinblum had already played in 462 major league games when he ventured to Japan for the 1975 season. He was an immense contributor to the Carp's first ever Central League title. In his two years spent in Japan, he batted .295 with 33 homers. Gail Hopkins had spent seven years in the major leagues before joining Lutz and Scheinblum in Japan. An infielder, Hopkins also made a great contribution to the team, belting 33 homers in 1975 for the Carp. Hopkins later became an orthopedic surgeon!

The photos were taken with Fuji color film and developed on Fuji paper. The autographs were signed in black marker.

Size: Each signed photo is 3 1/2" x 5 1/2".

Condition: All photos are Nm/Mt or Mint. The Scheinblum and Hopkins autographs grade 10 out of 10. The Lutz autograph is sharp, but slightly smudged.