The 1959 white bordered JCM 24 Hoshi Gangu 20 card set is a favorite with collectors. But there are two scarcer variations that truly challenge anyone who tries to complete the set--the gold border version, and the extremely scarce red border version. No more than a handful of examples of any card in the red border Hoshi Gangu set are known.

Kazunori Nishimura was a pitcher for the Osaka Tigers who did not play Japan Pro Baseball after the 1958 season. In 1955, at age 19, he was Central League Rookie of the Year, sporting a 23-18 won-loss record and a 2.01 ERA. He struck out 302 batters in 295 1/3 innings pitched. The number of innings must have taken a toll on Nishimura's young arm, as he pitched only part of the 1956 season (although he did pitch to a 1.37 ERA in 104 innings). Nishimura barely pitched in Japan Pro Baseball during 1957 and 1958, and his pro career ended at that point.

Tatsuyoshi Yoshihara was a Yomiuri Giants pitcher from 1954 to 1960, until arm trouble necessitated a move to the outfield. He posted a strong 56-36 record during his years on the mound. However, Yoshihara's time as an outfielder was less successful, and he was out of Japan Pro Baseball by 1963.

Most Hoshi Gangu Red Border cards are in fair to poor condition. These two are in nice condition for type.

Size: Each card is 1 5/16" x 2 5/8"

Condition: Vg