This card was originally issued as a 4th prize winner card attached to a display sheet
associated with the JBR 53 set.
Nishizawa is seen here in mid swing, with his team name (Chunichi),
surname and position (infielder) listed below in white Japanese text. The JBR 172 set has been designated R4 in Japanese
Baseball Cards Checklist & Price Guide, Vintage Edition 3.0, meaning
that fewer than 10 copies of this card are known to exist. In the case of this particular card, we would
venture a guess that the number is closer to five copies extant.
Michio Nishizawa made his Japan Pro
Baseball debut as a pitcher in 1937 at the age of only 15! In 1940, at the age
of 18, he went 20-9 with a 1.92 ERA. He pitched a no hitter in 1942. After the
end of World War II, he switched to the outfield, where he became an even
bigger star until his retirement after the 1958 season. A five time all- star,
Nishizawa was inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Nishizawa enjoyed a highly successful season
in 1949, batting .309, while also smacking 37 homers and driving in 114 runs in 136
games.
Blank back card
Size: 4 5/16” x 2 1/4"
Condition: The card would grade Ex, except that the number "1" has been printed in ink on the blank back by a former owner.
There is paper and glue residue on the blank back since the card was
originally issued by the manufacturer attached to a display sheet. All examples of this card are expected to
have similar residue.