In 1979, Sadaharu Oh set the Central League record for most seasons named to the Best 9 team (18--all in a row!). He also set a record for receiving eight straight Diamond Gloves. As a result of these feats, Oh was included in the JC 8i Calbee Title Holders set. Hall of fame catcher Katsuya Nomura, a Pacific League player, had set the overall record for most Best 9 awards (19) in 1977. It was expected that Oh would tie Nomura's record in 1980, but alas, it was not to be, as Oh suffered a down year with the bat and retired after the 1980 season.

15 copies of JC 8i Calbee #1 have been graded by PSA, but only two examples (including the one offered here) have been awarded the grade of PSA 9. There are no PSA 10s, so this card stands at the pinnacle of the PSA grading mountain. SGC has graded three examples, and all are graded lower than the card in this lot. None have been graded by CGC.

Size: 2 3/8" X 3 1/8"

Condition: PSA 9 (Mint) 1 of 2 with none graded higher by PSA or any other third party grading company