The reverse side of this postcard (left hand image) was autographed by Hiroshi Oshita in blue ink. The autograph is quite large (about 4" from top to bottom). From the postmark on the front, we know that the postcard was cancelled on September 1, 1951 between 6 p.m. and midnight. On the front (right hand image), Oshita has written his surname and return address (likely the address of the Tokyo Flyers baseball team) at lower left.

One of the best hitters of the 1940s and 1950s, Hiroshi Oshita was equally famous for his blue bat and his sordid off-the-field behavior. Born in Japan but raised in Taiwan, Oshita entered Japan Pro Baseball in 1946. He was named to eight Best 9 teams during his career. Oshita loved the nightlife and had a legendary appetite for both sake and women. His favorite boast was that he never learned a thing in college. (He attended Meiji U.) However, his .303 lifetime batting average indicates that he learned at least one thing in college--how to hit!

Oshita's single signed autograph is not often seen. Quite possibly, this is due to the fact that he died fairly young. This is only the third Oshita single signed item that we have ever offered.

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

Condition: Autograph--10 out of 10. There are a few stray ink spots, etc. on the postcard not affecting the signature. Postcard--Ex