Was Josh Gibson ever in Japan??

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Posted By: Darren

Does anyone know if Josh Gibson ever spent anytime playing baseball in Japan?....an exhibition game or something?

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Posted By: Chris Counts

I don't know if Josh Gibson ever made it to Japan, but other Negro League players did, even before Gibson's career began. Also, I've been alternately told the 1932 Sanella "catcher" is either Gibson (which I doubt) or a Japanese Olympic catcher (which makes more sense) ...

I recently came across this photo of Biz Mackey from a late 20s Japanese magazine ...

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Posted By: fkw

The Sanella catcher (page 9) is said to be a Japanese trainer. He has Asian eyes, light skin, and is wearing kung fu shoes. I believe the posed picture was not in Japan as the 2 people in background are white.

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Posted By: Ryan Christoff

Josh Gibson was never in Japan.

And that's Neal Pullen, NOT Biz Mackey (as misrepresented when sold at auction) on the cover of that magazine.

-Ryan

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Posted By: Darren

certainly resembles Josh in my opinion

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Posted By: Chad

But Josh was definitely never in Japan. It would be cool if he had been, though. A bromide or menko of Josh would be off the charts cool.

--Chad

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Posted By: fkw

Josh does have a couple Japanese features, but I doubt he would wear kung fu shoes

Plus the arms are too skinny..... that Japanese catcher probably weighs 150 lbs.

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Posted By: Ryan Christoff

That catcher is clearly Joe Jackson.

Or Jim Thorpe.

-Ryan