Toshiharu Inokawa (1908-1976), a right handed catcher/first baseman, first made a name for himself when he starred at Meiji University during the late 1920s and early 1930s. HIs prowess earned him a place on both the 1931 and 1934 All Japan Teams which faced the touring U.S. Major League All Star squads. In 1934, the year of Babe Ruth's tour, Inokawa was All Japan's leading hitter, batting .348. During most of the 1930s, Inokawa played in the industrial leagues. In 1940, he was signed by the Hankyu Braves to be their player/manager. After the 1942 season, he joined the Japanese army. He returned to managing with the Tokyu Flyers in the late 1940s and early 50s. The photograph offered here dates from that period, as he is seen wearing his 1949 Fighters team jacket. Inokawa has signed the photo in dark fountain pen.

Size: 3 1/8" x 4 1/2"

Condition: Autograph--7 out of 10. Photo--Ex.