In 1964, at age 20, Masanori Murakami became the first Japan Pro Baseball player to move to the U.S. Major Leagues. He pitched for the San Francisco Giants in 1964 and 1965, pre-dating Hideo Nomo, Ichiro Suzuki and the rest of the Japanese invasion by more than 30 years! Though his MLB career ended in 1965 as a result of an agreement between the Nankai Hawks (who felt that Murakami was stolen from them via a contractual loophole) and the San Francisco Giants (who wanted him to continue playing for them), Murakami continued to play in Japan Pro Baseball through the 1982 season.

One of Murakami's teammates furing the 1964 season was all time great, Willie Mays. At age 33, Mays was at the height of his powers. In 1964 he batted .296 with 47 homers, an OPS of .990 and a WAR of 11.2. On September 25, 1964, Mays and Murakami autographed the baseball offered here. This is the only Mays/Murakami dual signed item that we have ever had the opportunity to buy, sell, or auction. The date has been inscribed on the baseball. This Official Warren Giles National League baseball has been signed by both players in blue pen. It comes with a PSA/DNA letter of authenticity.

Size: Official National League Baseball

Condition: Autographs--2 to 3 out of 10. The baseball exhibits some toning.