Known as the "Gentleman of Baseball," Betto was a collegiate star who didn't play professionally until he was 28 years old. The bespectacled right-handed slugger had a graceful spread legged stance reminiscent of Joe DiMaggio. In each of his first six professional seasons, first with the Hanshin Tigers, and later with the Mainichi Orions, he was selected to the league Best 9 team as an outfielder. Interestingly, in the U.S., Betto is best known for being pictured on a shirt worn by Jeff Bridges in the movie, The Big Lebowski. The shirt has reached cult status and replicas are still widely sold today. 

This card is a first prize winner bromide which was originally part of an unknown display sheet.  Betto is seen here in his first season with the Mainichi Orions.  The 1950 Orions won the first Japan Series at the end of the season.  Betto was named the first Pacific League MVP.  He also led the league in homers and RBI and had the second highest batting average.

Blank back card

Size:  7 1/8” x 9 7/8”

Condition:  Ex/Mt with a bit of extra paper on the back from having been issued on a display sheet by the manufacturer.  All examples of this card will have similar extra paper and/or glue remnants from such placement.