After the 1978 MLB season, the Cincinnati Reds toured Japan, playing 17 games against Japan Pro Baseball opposition. Tickets to this series of games have always been particularly popular because of the image of Pete Rose that graces all 1978 Tour tickets. The ticket offered here was printed for the opening game of the series, played on October 28, 1978. While we have offered numerous 1978 Reds Tour tickets at auction over the years, this is the first ticket that we have auctioned for the series' initial match.

The game was played at Tokyo's Korakuen Stadium at 2 p.m. in front of a large crowd of 47,000 fans. The Reds' opponent for the day was the most beloved team in Japan baseball history, the Yomiuri Giants. Both starting pitchers were their respective team's ace, Tom Seaver started for the Reds against Tsuneo Horiuchi (HOF) of the Giants. After three scoreless innings, both pitchers were roughed up a bit and left the game. Neither was around for the decision. The Reds won by a score of 7-6.

Future Reds ace, Mario Soto, picked up the win in relief of Seaver. Homers were hit by each team's 50+ home runs in a season player--George Foster for the Reds and Sadaharu Oh for the Giants. The Reds went on to play 17 games that autumn in Japan, winning 14 games and losing only 2, with one tie.

Size: 7 5/8" x 2 5/8"

Condition: A few crinkles just to the right of Rose's image. Otherwise sharp.