
July 31: A Day of Legendary Baseball Moments
A look at the remarkable baseball moments that have unfolded on July 31, from historic grand slams to record‑breaking performances
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Hideki Matsui across Baseball.

A look at the remarkable baseball moments that have unfolded on July 31, from historic grand slams to record‑breaking performances

The appointment of former MLB champion Tadahito Iguchi as manager of Samurai Japan introduces a unique blend of playing experience, managerial acumen, and cross‑Pacific connections that could shape Japan’s performance in upcoming global competitions.

Topps will begin taking pre‑orders for its 2026 Pristine Baseball set on July 20, offering collectors a chance to win boxes through an EQL raffle, each containing multiple autographs and a distinctive insert lineup.

An early look at the 2026 Topps Pristine Baseball release reveals pre‑order mechanics, box composition, and notable inserts starring Chase Burns, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui.

Shohei Ohtani's 350th career home run marks a historic milestone, placing him alongside Hideki Matsui as the only Japanese players to achieve the feat across MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball.

Seiya Suzuki became the fourth Japanese player to reach 100 MLB home runs as the Chicago Cubs routed the San Diego Padres 23-3. He went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, reflecting on the support that shaped his career. Meanwhile, Tatsuya Imai struggled against the Minnesota Twins and Shohei Ohtani’s next start was pushed back.

From a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie that has appreciated from $6,600 to over seven million dollars, to a 1994 BBM Ichiro Suzuki card with only 15 PSA 10 copies, a handful of overlooked issues are attracting serious investment.

While most collectors focus on U.S. staples like Topps and Bowman, a handful of international baseball cards are quietly achieving seven‑figure values. Scarcity, historical context and PSA population data reveal why these issues are generating intense interest.