Founded in 1936 as the Tokyo Kyojin, the Giants became Japan's first professional baseball team. Lefty O'Doul, a former major league baseball player was instrumental in spreading baseball's popularity in Japan and serving as the sport's goodwill ambassador before and after WWII, named the team the Tokyo Giants. Photo is 6.5x8-3/8" showing 15 member team wearing suits with first player at right holding giant "Frank Lefty O'Doul" bat. Reverse side has photo caption dated "2-27-36" from San Francisco bureau noting "The Giants Will Play Local Japanese Teams In February And Will Open Against The Seals (San Francisco Baseball Team) In March". All players are named. Includes Victor Starffin who was a Russian baseball player in Japan and the first professional pitcher in Japan to win 300 games. Starffin was signed by the Giants in 1936 and played for them until 1944. Photo has light rippling due to paper caption being glued in place on reverse side otherwise Fine. Historic. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake's COA.