Josh Tsujimoto always wears a Sabres jersey with the number 74 when he goes to a Buffalo home game at KeyBank Center. The jersey was a gift from his father, Paul, a few years ago, and it serves as a reminder of a family legend that has lasted for fifty years. Sometimes, Josh is not the only one wearing a No. 74 sweater at a Sabres game. There are other Tsujimoto jerseys seen in the crowd as well.
The story of Taro Tsujimoto has become a cult classic among Sabres fans. Taro Tsujimoto was supposedly drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 11th round of the 1974 draft. However, Taro Tsujimoto never actually existed. The Sabres front office decided to play a practical joke during the draft, and they created a fictional player with a fake backstory.
The 1974 NHL draft was conducted in secrecy, with teams making their selections over the phone. The Sabres, led by General manager Punch Imlach, decided to draft a player that no one knew about. They came up with the name Taro Tsujimoto, a centerman from the Tokyo Katanas. The story was elaborately crafted, complete with fake stats and a press release.
The prank went so far that a locker stall was set up for Tsujimoto at the training camp, and everyone in the organization played along. Even the owners of the team were unaware of the joke, asking about Tsujimoto’s whereabouts. The legend of Taro Tsujimoto became a part of Buffalo Sabres folklore, with bumper stickers, trading cards, and signs at games dedicated to him.
Paul Wieland, the mastermind behind the Taro Tsujimoto prank, was known for his creative jokes and innovative ideas. He was a beloved figure within the organization, and his pranks became a tradition, with a new prank every April 1st. The legend of Taro Tsujimoto continues to live on in Buffalo, with fans still remembering the fictional player and the elaborate hoax that surrounded him.
In 2011, Panini trading card company produced a small run of Taro Tsujimoto rookie cards, adding to the mystique of the fictional player. The card featured a short biography of Tsujimoto, emphasizing the intrigue and anticipation around his supposed arrival in the NHL. The card became a rare collectible, reflecting the enduring mystery of Taro Tsujimoto.
Despite not being a real player, Taro Tsujimoto remains a cherished part of Buffalo Sabres history, a testament to the creativity and humor of the organization. The legend of Taro Tsujimoto lives on as a fun way to remember the past and celebrate the unique spirit of Sabres fans.