1934 Japan Tour

[2] The tour included Earl Averill, Lou Gehrig, Charlie Gehringer, Lefty Gomez, Connie Mack, Jimmie Foxx, Babe Ruth, Moe Berg and other American League players, as the National League would not allow their players to participate.

[1] More than half a million Japanese filled the streets of Tokyo to welcome Ruth and 14 other all-star baseball players for the barnstorming tour.

The Americans played 18 games against the All-Nippon team, featuring many of Japan’s top players, in front of tens of thousands of fans.

Babe opened the door to find a gentleman wearing a kimono, asking for Ruth’s autograph on a baseball.

His daughter also recalled how popular Ruth was during the tour: fans would rise to their feet every time he came to bat and waved Japanese and American flags.

The All-Star Japanese team was led by Matsutaro Shoriki and was encouraged to continue with baseball in Japan.