1950 Kagome Flying Bat is one of the few early Japanese card sets that we know were sold packaged in wrappers. The wrappers are cigar band style and hold three JCM 5 cards securely. Since the wrappers were open at top and bottom, potential buyers could slide the wrapper up and down to see what cards he or she was about to purchase. The player whose face graces the wrapper is Mainichi Orions pitcher Atsushi Aramaki, who was a rookie in 1950.

Atsushi Aramaki joined Japan Pro Baseball in 1950, fashioning a record of 26-8 with a 2.08 ERA, leading the expansion Mainichi Orions to the inaugural Japan Series championship. Unsurprisingly, he was named Rookie of the Year. He was an Orions mainstay during the next decade, posting a winning record over ten consecutive seasons. During that time, his ERA during each season was less than 2.45! No less than Bill Veeck, after seeing him dismantle the New York Giants during their 1953 Tour of Japan, made Aramaki a standing contract offer. Unfortunately, Aramaki's health deteriorated soon after finishing his career as an active player. He passed away at age 44 in 1971.

Wrapper only - No cards included

Size: 1 7/8" x 2 9/16"

Condition: Ex/Mt to Nm