In our 37 years of buying, selling and auctioning Japanese baseball cards, this is the first time we have ever encountered and example of this card. Takehiko Bessho is seen here wearing his 1951 Yomiuri Giants uniform.

Bessho was Japan's premier pitcher during the late 1940s and early 1950s. He twice won 30 or more games in a season, baffling hitters with a variety of off speed deliveries. During his career, he won two MVP awards and two Sawamura (Japanese Cy Young) awards. He won 310 games and had a lifetime ERA of only 2.18.

Blank backed card

Size: 7" x 10 1/4"

Condition: A corner crease at lower right. Extra paper and glue residue in the lower corners of the blank back. Sharp image, borders and corners.