During the 1950s, the Kobai Caramel Co. produced nearly 40 baseball card sets. Alost all of them are quite scarce. In part, this is due to the thin card stock on which the cards were printed. The various colorful designs and color images, along with the scarcity have contributed to the popularity of this set, especially in Japan. The JF 17 set has a scarcity factor of R4 in the Japanese Baseball Card Checklist & Price Guide, Vintage Edition 2.1 by Gary Engel, signifying that 10 or fewer copies of each card in the set are known.

The card on offer here depicts Nankai Hawks and Yomiuri Giants legend, Takehiko Bessho. Bessho was Japan's premier pitcher during the late 1940s and early 1950s. He twice won 30 or more games in a season, baffling hitters with a variety of off speed deliveries. During his career, he won two MVP awards and two Sawamura (Japanese Cy Young) awards. He won 310 games and had a lifetime ERA of only 2.18. He pitched 335 complete games, including 72 shutouts. Bessho is seen here in mid-delivery.

Size: 1 5/8" x 2 1/4"

Condition: Fair to Good