At the time this card was produced, Oh, entering his fourth season, had approximately 40 lifetime home runs. Big things had been predicted for him in 1959 when he joined the Yomiuri Giants. However, as of Spring 1962, he had failed to reach these lofty expectations. 1962 was Oh's breakout year, in which he clubbed 38 round trippers on his way to an astounding 868 lifetime home runs. As a result, his 1962 Tachibana Seika card, produced by Hinomaru Caramel, was the company's first Oh card since 1959. The JG 31 Sadaharu Oh card is quite scarce. In our 23 years of experience dealing in Japanese baseball cards, this is only the second JG 31 Oh card that we have had the pleasure of offering to the hobby. The unique image features a youthful Oh gazing intently at the viewer, with his surname printed in Japanese kanji at upper right.
Tachibana cards were often pasted to sheets which the collector sent in to claim a prize from the issuer. Moreover, the redemption point section (non-picture portion) of the card was often cut off by collectors. This scarce card is complete with the redemption point section still attached. It would make a great addition to any Sadaharu Oh collection.
Size: 1 5/8" x 2 5/16"
Condition: Vg with soft corners and some slight creasing.
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