Big Six University League star righthander Kakusaburo Onitsuka was a mainstay of the Meiji University pitching staff from 1928 to 1931. The highlight of his collegiate career occurred in 1929, when he threw a no hitter against Hosei U. On November 9, 1931, Meiji U. faced the Lou Gehrig and Lefty Grove led U.S. Major League All Stars at Jingu Stadium. Onitsuka was Meiji's starting and losing pitcher in a 4-0 defeat. He also had the dubious honor of giving up a homer to Gehrig during the game.

Onitsuka never played pro baseball. Instead, he opted for semi-pro ball, captaining the Yawata Nippon Steel team to the National Intercity Baseball Championship in 1937. From 1946-1948 he managed the Kokura High School baseball team to an 8-3 record at the National High School Baseball Championship at Koshien.

Onitsuka is one of four named player cards in the JCM 73 card set. This is the first time we have had the pleasure to auction a copy of this card since our Auction 26 in 2005.

Size: 1 7/16" x 5 5/16"

Condition: Fair