On October 10th 1969, Masaichi Kaneda reached one of the ultimate pitching milestones. It is one that most likely will never be exceeded again, either in Japan or in the U.S. On that date, Kaneda became the first and only pitcher in Japan to win 400 lifetime games. This is a feat so momentous that in MLB, only two pitchers have ever amassed so many victories. The last was Walter Johnson in 1926.

Kaneda, who spent most of his career with the lowly Kokutetsu Swallows, spent his final seasons with the Yomiuri Giants. Kaneda retired after the 1969 season to become a baseball commentator, before returning to the sport as a manager years later. As a result, we presume that this Giants baseball was probably signed in 1969, although the item could date from a few years later. Kaneda's autograph on the ball is consistent with his c. 1970 signature. On one panel of the ball (upper left image), Kaneda has signed his name. On another panel (upper right) he has inscribed "400 wins".

This is a wonderful memento relating to one of the greatest feats in baseball history.

Size: Regular baseball size

Condition: Baseball--Vg. Autograph--5 to 6 out of 10.