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Lot # 878: Rarest 1934 Tour of Japan Program

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 9 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2019 Spring Classic",
which ran from 5/7/2019 10:00 AM to
6/7/2019 10:00 PM



Superlative find. Program from the "American Big League Stars" 1934 tour of Japan. First we have seen. Unusual to show Babe Ruth on cover. This program (6x9.25") covers three games on the tour, a double-header on December 9th and a single game on December 10th. The games were against local competition, including the Filiipino Olympic players, but the real story was the American team. The program features pictures and short biographies of the team and of Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack. Legends played in this tour. HOF Babe Ruth was in left field, HOF Lou Gehrig on first base, HOF Charlie Gehringer was on second, and HOF Jimmie Foxx on third. HOF Lefty Gomez was the starting pitcher in one of the games. Not a Hall of Famer, but one of the most fascinating players ever, Moe Berg was also on the tour. Berg, a Jewish player from Newark, New Jersey, and marvelous linguist who spoke numerous languages - and a scholar from Princeton University - was alternating at catcher with Frank Hayes, but he was also doing some "spying" for the United States. Using a 16-mm Bell and Howell movie camera, he secretly photographed many Japanese industrial and military installations as the United States was anticipating eventual conflict with Japan. Program shows some wear and age. The cover has some spotting and some fading, but the inside pages are in good condition. This program is an amazing addition to any collection.

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