The JMC 1 set pays tribute to the career of Japan's Mr. Baseball, Shigeo Nagashima. Over 100 cards of Nagashima are found in the set. On card #59, Nagashima appears to be taking part in a jam session, playing a traditional drum with Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, who is rocking a gorgeous blue yukata. Undoubtedly, the image was taken during the Orioles' 1971 Japan Tour.
Since both players were the best at their position (third base) on opposite sides of the Pacific, and their careers spanned the same era, there were many comparisons at the time between Robinson and Nagashima. In this head-to-head 1971 competition, B. Robby batted .269 with five homers, while Japan's Mr. Baseball hit .250 with two dingers. There is no record as to who made the most spectacular plays at the hot corner during the series. At any rate, this is one of only two known cards of Nagashima and Robinson together ever printed anywhere in the world. An example of the other card is this auction's next lot.
The card has been graded PSA 7 (Nm). Of the 13 examples of this card graded by PSA, there are only two PSA 7s with one example graded higher (PSA 8).
Size: 1 15/16" x 2 7/8"
Condition: PSA 7 (Nm)