Kawakami, the God of Batting, is seen here in a uniform worn by the Yomiuri Giants only in 1951. His team name, surname and position are printed in Japanese in the lower left corner. The card was issued as a first prize premium on a display sheet for an unknown bromide card issue. We have not seen this card bofore.

After the 1950 season, Joe DiMaggio visited Japan. During that visit, DiMaggio met Kawakami and convinced the Japanese slugger to concentrate more on line drives than home runs. Kawakami took the Yankee Clipper's advice, and in 1951 he batted .377, striking out only six times in 422 plate appearances. For his efforts, Kawakami was named Central League MVP. Blank backed card.

Size: 7" x 9 1/2"

Condition: Vg/Ex to Ex