The 1908 Reach Tour, so called because it was sponsored by sporting goods magnate A. J. Reach, is considered to be the first organized Tour of Japan made by an American baseball team. This rare postcard captures the members of the 1908 "Reach All-Americans" baseball team posing on the dock prior to sailing overseas to Japan. Eleven uniformed players are pictured, all of whom are wearing their special tour jackets, as well as a few dignitaries in formal attire. The team was assembled by Mike Fisher, manager of the Sacramento Solons of the PCL. Twelve players made the trip: Bill Burns (Washington Senators), Jack Bliss (St. Louis Cardinals), Babe Danzig (Sacamento PCL), Jim Delehanty (Washington Senators), William Deveraux (Santa Cruz, Cal Lg.), Pat Flaherty (Boston Nationals), Jack Graney (Cleveland Indians), Heinie Heitmuller (Philadelphia Athletics), George Hildebrand (San Francisco PCL), Harry McArdle (San Francisco PCL), Nick Williams (San Francisco PCL). The All Americans won all 17 games of the Tour against various Japanese opposition. The first game in Japan was played on 11/22 with the last encounter on 12/6. This is the first example of this postcard we have ever offered. The postcard was sent from Seattle to New York on 12/17/08,

Size: 5 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Condition: Corner touches, a moderate crease in the upper right corner and minor wrinkling. Overall Vg/Ex.