Vintage game used equipment from Japan is virtually impossible to obtain, making this a remarkable find. This c.1950 KazutoTsuruoka game used bat was signed "Kazuto Yamamoto" (He used is his wife's last name, Yamamoto, from 1946 until 1958). He also wrote "Nankai Hawks" on the barrel. This bat exhibits excellent use and is uncracked. The inscription, 34", is engraved on the knob end, and the kanji for "YAMA" is handwritten. This Mitsuya & Co., Ltd bat is made from selected white ash and weighs 30.9 oz (874 grams). This the earliest game used item we have ever handled.
Tsuruoka (1916-2000) began his career with the Nankai Hawks in 1939. Due to military obligations he missed six years of playing ball. In 1946 he played for and managed the Hawks, who that year were known as the Kinki Great Ring. He finished his playing career in 1952, but continued to manage the Hawks until 1968. As a player he was a 3 time MVP, but he was more impressive as a manager. He won 11 league championships and 2 Japan Series titles and finished with 1773 wins and a .609 winning percentage. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965.
Size: 34", 30.9 oz.
Condition: Signature 9 out of 10. The bat appears to have some cleat marks near the end of the barrel and a small slit on the knob.
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