We have seen this card offered only once before during our 32 years of buying, selling and auctioning Japanese baseball cards. This card was originally a first prize winner card from a display sheet. Fujimura is wearing a uniform worn by Osaka Tigers players between 1947 and 1951. We doubt that the card emanates from the 1950s, as there is no Central League notation on the card. Cards of the early 1950s generally list the player's league, as Japan Pro Baseball was divided into two leagues in 1950. The Japanese text printed on the card includes Fujimura's name, team name and position.

Fumio Fujimura, affectionately known as "Mr. Tigers", was the heart and soul of the Osaka team from 1936 to 1958. A third baseman, his lifetime batting average was exactly .300. Fujimura was known for his on-the-field intensity. Once, he and manager Kenjiro Matsuki (HOF) threw an umpire to the ground during a dispute over a strikeout. The resulting suspension ended Fujimura's consecutive games played streak at 1,014.

Fujimura was Central League MVP in 1949. He was elected to six consecutive Best 9 teams and led the league in homers twice. In 1950, Fujimura batted .362 with 39 homers, 146 RBI and 100 walks over a 140 game season! His OBP was .465, and his OPS was a stratospheric 1.139! Blank backed card.

Size: 7 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Condition: Fair to good with considerable surface creasing on the front, and a number handwritten on the blank back.