We know the image on this card is
from the 1950 season, because the stocking that is seen on Kawakami’s leg was
worn by the Yomiuri Giants only in 1950.
We are fairly certain that this card was issued as a 3rd
prize winner attached to a display sheet of an unknown set.
1950 was a rather pedestrian year
for the God of Batting, but only by his standards, as he managed to bat .313
with 29 homers and 99 RBIs in 138 games.
Moreover, 1950 was one of those rare seasons in which the Yomiuri Giants
did not win the league championship. The
team rebounded the next season to win the Central League title by 18 full games
(79-29-6)! Kawakami batted a super
impressive .377 and won the league MVP award.
Blank back card
Size: Approximately 3” x 4 1/2”
Condition: A very sharp, crisp Ex. Contains a thin row of paper and glue residue
on the blank back from having been issued as a 3rd prize winner card
on a display sheet. All examples of this
card will exhibit similar residue.