In our 37 years in business, this is only the second single signed Makoto Kozuru autographed item that we have encountered. The other item was also a bromide baseball card. However, that card was much smaller than the one in this lot. Moreover, it was in worse condition, and the autograph was more faint.

Makoto Kozuru, known as Japan's Joe DiMaggio, played Japan Pro Baseball from 1942 to 1958 with the Dragons, Flyers, Stars, Robins and Carp. He may be Japan's most overlooked superstar. He is the holder of three all time single season records, all set in the same season. In 1950, he had 161 RBI, 143 runs scored and 376 total bases. Additionally, in 1950, he hit .355 with 51 homers. Naturally, he won the Central League MVP award that year, leading the Robins to the league pennant. And that .355 batting average was no fluke. Kozuru had batted .361 in 1949!

From 1950 to 1952, Makoto Kozuru was a member of the Shochiku Robins. This giant size first prize color bromide baseball card and Kozuru's autograph on the card are both from that era.

Autographed in blue ballpoint pen.

Size: Bromide Baseball Card--7 3/8" x 10 3/4"

Condition: Autograph--6 to 7 out of 10. Baseball Card--Good to Vg