The JF 62a Calbee Caramel set has been assigned a scarcity factor of R5 in Japanese Baseball Cards Checklist & Price Guide, Vintage Edition 4.0 by Gary Engel. This means that five or fewer examples of this card are known. This card contains a manufacturer's overprint on the back.

The JF 62a set has two versions. Type 1 (Matsuo Caramel) has no text within the image on the front, and Type 2 has a vertical off-white strip over the front image containing the Japanese text, “Calbee Caramel”. The Calbee Company was originally called the Matsuo Company. Apparently, the name change occurred around the time these cards were being produced, resulting in the two versions.

Pitcher Hideo Fujimoto is Japan’s leader in lifetime winning percentage (.697) and ERA (1.90). He is also the single season leader in shutouts (19) and ERA (0.73!). The Korean born righthander has always flown a bit under the radar when any discussion of the all time greatest Japan Pro Baseball pitchers occurs. However, his claim to be the best ever is strong.

Size: 1 1/2" x 2 1/8" (Slightly oversized due to especially wide borders.)

Condition: G/Vg with manufacturer's overprint on the back.