Collecting and Translating the 1973 Calbee Bat-Backs (Part 11)
#56 Hiramatsu - Pitcher (Taiyo) The Prince of Taiyo, Hiramatsu Hiramatsu entered amateur ball out of Okayama Higashi High and promptly won a title before coming to the pros, where it seems he wanted to sign with the Giants. The draft didn ’ t go as he wished, but now with Taiyo he is living the dream as a pitcher who goes toe-to-toe with Kyojin and emerges victorious. On gamedays against the Giants, he faces ON head-on with competitive spirit that is unmatched. The rapturous applause of the fans makes it all the more sweet. If he had joined the Giants, he wouldn ’ t have gotten a taste of quite such a feeling. #57 Hiramatsu - Pitcher (Taiyo) Hiramatsu ’ s Results and Mindset Last year was a dud for Hiramatsu at 13-15, but this year as of June 7th he is, at 8-3, already more than halfway to his previous season ’ s win total. He is #2 among the Central League ’ s top 15 pitchers in ERA with 2.25. Coming from the same class as Enatsu and Horiuchi, Hiramat...