This large poster is an advertisement for the game of November 15, 1984, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Kawasaki Stadium.  The game was to be played between the Baltimore Orioles and a team composed of members of the Lotte Orions, Taiyo Whales and Yomiuri Giants.  It was supposed to be the last of what would have been 15 games played by the Orioles against various Japan Pro Baseball opposition.  Unfortunately, the game was never played.  We assume it was rained out.

The 1984 Orioles Japan Tour was originally supposed to be a true World Series, as the Orioles were AL champs in 1983.  The Orioles had been slated to play Japan’s perennial best team, the Yomiuri Giants.  Unfortunately, neither the Orioles nor the Giants came close to winning the pennant in 1984.  Instead, the non-champion Orioles faced the 1984 Japan Series champion Hiroshima Carp in a best of seven series, with the Orioles beating the Carp in four of five games.  The Orioles then played nine more games against various Japan Pro Baseball opposition, going 4-4-1, with the final game being played on November 14.

Large images of Cal Ripken, Jr., Eddie Murray and Mike Boddicker adorn the poster.  The reason Boddicker appears with the two Hall of Famers is that he won 20 games in 1984.  This is the only poster for the “game that never was” that we have seen.  It’s in somewhat rough condition, but it is the only one around.  It’s a great and unusual piece for a Ripken or Orioles collector.

Size:  20” x 24 3/4"

Condition:  Fair to Good