While many mistakenly think that Wally Yonamine was the first American to play in Japan after World War II, there were actually several Hawaiians who preceded him. One was Honolulu McKinley High's own Isao Odate. After attending McKinley, Odate traveled to Japan, where he attended Heian Junior High and participated in the National High School Baseball Championships at Koshien. He then studied at a martial arts vocational school in Kyoto. He became a judo champion while, at the same time playing for several semipro teams in Kyoto.
At the age of 32, Odate finally joined Japan Pro Baseball. A first baseman, he played for the Tigers in 1949, and then joined the Mainichi Orions from 1950 to 1955. Actually, he spent more time as a pinch hitter than a first baseman. However, he was a very effective pinch hitter! Odate set league records for most pinch hit homers in a season and in a career.
Blank backed card.
Size: 2 1/8" x 2 3/8"
Condition: Ex. Hand cut.