Locker Room Memorabilia conducted the first-ever U.S. signing with Boston Red Sox pitcher Hideki Okajima. The Japanese native signed official World Series baseballs and photos for Locker Room, but company president Emil Bodenstein was most excited that the deal with Okajima included his fielding glove from his rookie year.
“It’s a rare opportunity when you receive a rookie glove,†said Bodenstein. “To have the opportunity to market a rookie glove used during the 2007 All-Star Game and World Series is a landmark moment for our company.”
Bodenstein already has multiple offers on this once in a lifetime glove ranging upwards of $15,000.00.
The glove and all other items can be purchased at www.lockerroommemorabilia.com.
In his first major league season, Okajima led the Red Sox and all American League rookies with 66 appearances, a club record for a first year player and his most ever in a professional season.
Okajima allowed a home run to John Buck on his very first pitch in the major leagues, then he proceeded to hold opponents scoreless for nearly two months. Okajima cemented himself as the top setup man in the Red Sox bullpen, garnering the American League Rookie of the Month for April. Okajima made the All-Star team as the winner of the final vote.
Following the All-Star break, Okajima continued to pitch solid and reliable relief innings, occasionally closing games for the Sox as they held their place at the top of the AL East.
Okajima’s outstanding rookie campaign culminated with his performance in Game 2 of the World Series against the Colorado Rockies, in which he pitched 2.1 perfect innings in relief of Curt Schilling, striking out four and exiting to a standing ovation at Fenway Park. He became the first Japanese born pitcher to play in the World Series.
The fielding glove and autographs of Hideki Okajima can be purchased at www.lockerroommemorabilia.com or toll free at 877-832-6576. Locker Room Memorabilia is licensed by Major League Baseball and MLBPA so all items come with a Major League Baseball tamper resistant hologram and a certificate of authenticity by Locker Room Memorabilia.
