FS: 1934 US / Japan Tour Program

[wondo]

OK. So, I bid on this guy and didnt think I would win it - got a steal imho. Amazing piece of history with Ruth, Berg, Gehrig, Foxx, etc. One, not as nice, sold in REA for$4k. Others have gone similarly. Please read the descriptions below.

Price $3100 net to me. Awesome!! email is jwondowski@aol.com


Prestige Collectibles Auction Description:
Offered here is an original 1934 Tour of Japan official program. Of the several 1934 Tour programs we have offered in auctions over the years, this one is in the best condition. This 24 page program captures the magic of the important historic baseball event. It contains black and white images of the players from both teams including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig as well as Japanese HOFers Eiji Sawamura, Victor Starffin and others. The enigmatic Moe Berg, who supposedly was a spy for the US government on this trip, is also prominently featured in the program. The cover features a large sketch of Babe Ruth's face.

When Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmy Foxx, Charlie Gehringer, et al arrived in Japan, little did they know that the events of the next two weeks would ultimately be looked upon as a milestone in the history of international baseball. Interest in the games played between the American superstars and their Japanese rivals was so great that it resulted in the founding of Japan's first professional team (Yomiuri Giants) in 1935, and the beginning of Japan Pro Baseball in 1936. 19-year-old Eiji Sawamura's performance in striking out the players named above in succession became the stuff of Japanese legend. Some say that Connie Mack himself offered Sawamura a major league contract. Unfortunately, after several incredible seasons in Japan's new pro league (63-22, 1.74), Sawamura was killed during World War II. Obviously, this was a Tour for the ages!

Size: 7 1/2" x 10 3/8". 24 pages.

Condition: The cover exhibits some foxing and minor creasing. However, this is an unusually excellent state for 1934 Tour programs. The back cover has a crease/small tear at upper right. The scorecard page is on the inside back cover, and therefore exhibits the same flaw.. However, the other interior pages are in nice condition. In general, this is the highest grade 1934 Japan Tour program we have ever encountered.