Katsuo Osugi (1945-1992), a power-hitting, right handed first baseman, bashed 486 homers during his 19 year Japan Pro Baseball career. His mid-career trade from the Flyers to the Swallows enabled him to become the first Japanese
player to amass at least 1,000 hits in each league. Osugi was named to eight all star teams and five Best 9 teams. Tragically he died at the age of 47 from liver cancer. This game used Louisville Slugger Katsuo Osugi model bat dates
from Osugi's years with the Swallows. He signed his name and "Yakult Swallows" in black marker. The number 40 inscribed on the barrel corresponds to a unit of Japanese weight, the monme. This bat weighs 240 monme, or 32 ounces.
It is 34 3/4" long. The bat exhibits good game use and is cracked. All autographed bats of Japan Hall of Fame members are scarce, as traditionally, equipment was not expected to leave the clubhouse. Osugi autographs are also scarce due to his untimely death. Thus, this is the first Osugi autographed bat we have seen in our more than 30 years of experience with Japanese memorabilia and should be regarded as an ultra rare item.
Size: 34 3/4", 32 ounces.
Condition: The bat exhibits good game use. There is a significant crack near the handle. The autograph grades 8.5 out of 10.