This card has been assigned a scarcity factor of R5 in the new second edition of the Japanese Baseball Card Checklist & Price Guide, meaning that five or fewer copies of this card exist today. It is a large size, color rookie card of an exceptional left handed pitcher, and it is gorgeous. Atsushi Aramaki joined Japan Pro Baseball in 1950, fashioning a record of 26-8 with a 2.08 ERA, leading the expansion Mainichi Orions to the inaugural Japan Series championship. Unsurprisingly, he was named Rookie of the Year. He was an Orions mainstay during the next decade, posting a winning record over ten consecutive seasons. During that time, his ERA during each season was less than 2.45! No less than Bill Veeck, after seeing him dismantle the New York Giants during their 1953 Tour of Japan, made Aramaki a standing contract offer. Unfortunately, Aramaki's health deteriorated soon after finishing his career as an active player. He passed away at age 44 in 1971. Blank backed.
Size: 3 13/16" x 5 1/2"
Condition: Ex with a faint surface crease in the upper left corner.