The four Masaichi Kaneda sequential pitching cards from the JCM 30a Doyusha Team Name Back menko set are among the most sought after cards of Japan Pro Baseball's all time greatest pitcher. Kaneda's 400 lifetime wins and 4,490 strikeouts are just two of his impressive career statistics. Kaneda ranks second in games, first in innings pitched and 10th in ERA (2.34). He also won three consecutive Sawamura (Japan Cy Young) Awards.
This lot is unusual in that the four sequential pitching cards are offered in uncut pairs, undoubtedly 3rd prize winner cards from a product display sheet. The number two card features Kaneda paired with Hawaiian Andy Miyamoto. The other Kaneda cards are paired with commons (Iwazaki-Swallows, Hirayama-Lions (wrong kanji on card) and Kodama-Whales).
These gorgeous cards would be a perfect addition to the collection of a discriminating Kaneda collector.
Size: Each card is 1 13/16" x 3". Each uncut pair is 3 5/8" x 3".
Condition: Pair #3 has a crease in the lower right corner not affecting the Kaneda card. Card #4 has minor paper loss on the Kaneda card. All have minor glue marks and a minor amount of additional paper on the back due to originally having been attached to a display sheet. All tobacco type menko cards found in uncut pairs from any issue possess this characteristic, and as a result, these cards are considered to be as issued.