This is the first Tatsuro Hirooka single signed item that we have ever offered at auction. Known as the "Iron Shogun" during his managerial career, this wiry shortstop earned 1954 Central League Rookie of the Year honors, playing for the Yomiuri Giants. He was selected to six Central League all star teams. He later had a stellar managerial career, winning Japan Series championships with the Swallows in the late 1970s and with the Lions in the early 1980s. As a manager, he may have been the strictest disciplinarian ever! Later in his career he became a general manager. He was responsible for giving Bobby Valentine the opportunity to manage the Chiba Lotte Marines. This shikishi (traditional Japanese signing board) includes Hirooka's signature at lower left. He also inscribed the phrase "ball player" in Japanese at upper right. He has also added two hand stamps to the shikishi. Signed in traditional Japanese calligraphy brush.

Size: 9 1/2" x 10 3/4"

Condition: Shikishi--Ex/Mt to Nm. Signature--10 of 10.