This is the first example of any card from this Olympic set that we have ever encountered. It is perplexing why a card of Date would be part of an Olympic set because baseball was not an Olympic sport during Date's career! Date, both a pitcher and catcher, played for Waseda University from 1928 until 1932, and then joined the All Osaka team, where he played and managed into the 1950s. He also was a member of the All Japan team that faced the U.S. Major League All Star teams on their 1931 and 1934 Tours of Japan. He declined the opportunity to become a professional baseball player when Japan Pro Baseball debuted in 1936. On the reverse of the card, Date is referred to as a pitcher for Waseda U. The Japanese flag and Olympic rings are present. Therefore, we assume that the card is part of a set produced for the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but we are not certain. In any case, this is the only copy known of this card.
Size: 1 7/8" x 2 3/4"
Condition: The front appears to be in Vg condition. The back has has missing portions of the surface along the left edge. A blue stamped overprint appears in the lower right corner, which may have been added by the manufacturer or by a previous owner.