This image of Japan Hall of Fame member Takeo Tabe sliding back to first base was taken on March 9, 1935 at Seals Stadium in San Francisco during the Yomiuri Giants 1935 Tour of the U.S. On that day, despite having the immortal Eiji Sawamura on the mound, the Tokyo Giants lost to the San Francisco Seals "A" rookie team 4-3. The first baseman is Edward Hughes, son of turn of the century major league pitcher Jay Hughes.

Despite being a member of the original Yomiuri Giants during their first barnstorming tour of the U.S., Takeo Tabe never played for the Giants or any team in the Japan Pro Baseball League. After a stellar performance on the U.S. Tour, Tabe, who stole over 100 bases in the U.S, demanded more money. The Giants refused to give it to him. Tabe became a holdout...for the rest of his life! As a result, Tabe is known as the "Phantom of Pro Baseball." Later, Tabe fought for the Japanese in World War II, and was killed in the Battle of Okinawa in June 1945.

The winner of this lot will receive the original photo negative and a recently printed positive image as well.

Size: 4 7/8" x 3 7/8"

Condition: Contains a catalog number and a circle written on the negative, which does not otherwise affect the rest of the image, which is overall Nm.