Takara cards were issued in team boxes containing 30 cards, along with dice and game instructions. Today, the vast majority of 1970s and early 1980s Takara cards have been used to play the associated game. Not only does game play put wear and tear on the cards, but as part of the game, players generally mark the backs of the cards in pencil or pen. Therefore, to find an unused card of any player is not common. Even less commonly seen is a PSA 9 Takara card of any player who has the stature of Isao Harimoto.

Sadaharu Oh was not the only future superstar who was a rookie in 1959. Isao Harimoto (HOF) also made his debut that season. In fact, Harimoto was named Pacific League Rookie of the Year in '59. Harimoto is the only Japanese player to amass more than 3,000 hits and 500 home runs during his career--and he accomplished this feat playing mostly 130 game seasons! He was an 18 time all star and was named to 16 Best 9 teams. He won 7 batting championships. However, being a Pacific League player for most of his career, he did not receive nearly the acclaim as did Oh and other Central League stars. Late in his career, Harimoto joined the Yomiuri Giants.

This card emanates from the era when Harimoto was finally playing in the Central League alongside Sadaharu Oh.

Size; 2 1/8" x 3 3/8"

Condition: PSA 9 (1 of 1) none graded higher