This card is particularly important to Japan Hall of Fame collectors because no other cards of Shima are known to exist. The swift Hosei U. outfielder joined the Nagoya Kinkos for the first season of Japan Pro Baseball in 1936. Then, in 1938, he became an umpire. He was the first umpire-in-chief of the Central League (1950-80) and was noted for his precise decisions behind the plate. Umpire cards are rare both in the US and Japan. Hall of Fame umpire cards are something special! Shima was inducted into the Japan Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.

Size: 2 3/8" x 3"

Condition: Ex/Mt+