Help Needed: 1931 Tour of Japan [Archive]

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09-20-2003, 04:55 PM

Posted By: RobertSHi all-- I'm doing some research on the 1931 Tour of Japan team and came across this picture. I've only been able to identify some of the players and could use a hand on the others. <img src="http://www.vintageball.com/files/1931_Japan_Tour_Kelly.JPG"> Brief background: In 1931 after the season ended, 14 players toured Japan and Hawaii matching up against local teams (winning all their games). The team was co-managed by Herb Hunter and sportswriter Fred Lieb and had the following roster: Pitchers: Lefty Grove, Larry French, Bruce Cunningham Infielders: Lou Gehrig (1b), Mickey Cochrane (c), Muddy Ruel (c), Frankie Frisch (2b), Rabbit Maranville (ss), Willie Kamm (3b) Outfielders: Lefty O'Doul (rf), Al Simmons (lf), Thomas Oliver (cf) Utility: George Kelly, Ralph Shinners Other: John Reardon (umpire), Leonard Knowles (doctor/trainer) This photo shows the players at sea. I've only been able to ID Cochrane, Foxx, Kelly and Simmons so far. Any help would be most appreciated! Here are the heads with the IDs to-date: <img src="http://www.vintageball.com/files/1931_Tour_Heads_IDed.JPG">

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09-20-2003, 07:01 PM

Posted By: runscottJMO

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09-20-2003, 10:22 PM

Posted By: MWRobert, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I don't think there are any Tour of Japan baseball players in the photo. I'll admit that the guy you have labeled as Lefty O'Doul looks a little like the player, but if you examine enough photos of him (the baseball player) you will see that it's not.

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09-21-2003, 08:30 AM

Posted By: RobertSMW-- The picture came from Kelly's estate. It also was accompanied with another shot of the players on the field. And, the boat's name is also correct as IDed on the lifesaver. Best of all, this group shot was used in a book as one picture of the assembled teammates. Highpockets is clearly visible (that's why this went in the auction of his belongings with the on the field shot). I have several other shots of him against which to compare (also from the sale of his estate) -- all with his estate stamp on the reverse. So...the big question isn't whether or not this is authentic and whether or not it is from the 31 'tour. The remaining issue is identifying those gathered here. The book IDed the tour members but didn't ID those in the different photos. I guess I should have spelled this out in my first post, that this originated from his personal belongings...especially since Kelly isn't that recognizable a face to most folks. Thanks to all those who have dropped by this thread and reviewed the photo. Robert

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09-21-2003, 10:41 AM

Posted By: RobertSIf Mike, or anyone else, wants to see some of the other Kelly photos -- to get a better idea of what he looked like at different points in his life -- let me know and I will be happy to share. Scott-- I was unsure about the Simmons ID, as well <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>. Cochrane looked right to me, however, but this is why I decided to open it up to the board. Any help is definitely welcome!

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09-21-2003, 01:55 PM

Posted By: HankronRobert, irrelevant to the who's who and what's what, it's a nice photo with a great smiling pose.

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09-21-2003, 08:19 PM

Posted By: runscott...it has great b&w photos of most every player - unfortunately I no longer have a copy.