Collecting and Translating the 1973 Calbee Bat-Backs (Part 10)

     On then to the back half of the bat-back set, featuring players from a variety of other clubs besides the Giants. More precisely, 6 other clubs: the Hanshin Tigers, Taiyo Whales, Chunichi Dragons, and Hiroshima Carp of the Central League; and the Nankai Hawks and Hankyu Braves of the Pacific League. The bat-back set then contains cards for five out of the six Central League Clubs (The Yakult Atoms excepted) and two from the Pacific League. The expanded flag-back set has cards for every team except the Lotte Orions. Lotte was a rival junk food company and that fact certainly helps explain their team’s conspicuous absence on Calbee cards (although Lotte players too would begin to appear starting in the 80’s).

#51  Tabuchi - Catcher, Enatsu - Pitcher (Hanshin)

Will They Become the Strongest Battery of All Time?

Tabuchi, the Tigers oft-praised home run hitter. Enatsu, who holds the world single-season strikeout record. Previously, the Japanese record was 353 K’s, while the world record belonged to Major Leaguer Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers with 383. Amazingly, in 1968 that mark was surpassed by a considerable margin when 401 went into the books. Meanwhile, catcher Tabuchi has overtaken the reigning home run king Sadaharu Oh this year. As of June 15th, he has a 6 home run lead over Oh’s 11 round-trippers as he races for the top.

 This card is probably the second-most iconic of the ‘73 Calbees behind only the classic #1 Shigeo Nagashima. Although not one of the set’s rarer cards, it usually commands a premium. Its interior studio shot is unique in the set, and the featured players add to its desirability. Pitcher Yutaka Enatsu was involved in the “Black Mist Scandal,” a game-fixing and gambling affair that broke in 1969. Although he was not banned from baseball, the would-be Hall of Famer has thus far been denied a plaque. Koichi Tabuchi is one of the greatest catchers of all time (and is a Hall of Famer). It’s fitting that the first non-Giants Calbee card goes to the beloved Hanshin Tigers of Hyogo, Japan’s second-most (but perhaps most zealously) supported club. What is a bit curious to me is that despite the team’s status, the Tigers are only the fifth-most represented club in the ‘73 Calbee set by number of cards, including flag-backs.

#52  Yazawa - First Baseman (Chunichi)

The Driving Force of the Dragons, Yazawa

Yazawa went on to win Rookie of the Year after his debut season. He’s hustling this year too, and finds himself among the top 10 in hitting. Whether hitting to the left or pulling it to the right, his reputation as a sharp, flexible batter has been established since his college days where he was also a leading hitter. He’ll be putting that experience to good use in the fight for the batting crown. His team is in top form as well and vying for the number one spot. You can do it!! Yazawa!!

 Playing his entire career for the Chunichi Dragons of Nagoya, Kenichi Yazawa put up an impressive combination of average (.302 career) and power (273 HR) for over 15 years. Despite the card’s encouragement, Yazawa did not win the batting title in 1973. He did however take it home in ‘76 and ‘80.  As you can see, the text on the front of the card is comically unreadable, with only the first kanji of Yazawa’s name visible. Some cards that suffered from similar illegibility problems were issued versions with modified text, although this is not such a card. From my experience, these small text variations present in the set do not affect price.

#53  Kimata - Catcher (Chunichi)

The Personification of Fight!  Kimata

Though comparatively undersized, Kimata is giving it his all as a catcher. Once the game starts, the fight wells up within him. Take a look at Kimata in the batter’s box. His once easygoing expression tenses up as he stares down the pitcher. Maybe now you see how that small frame can hit all those big home runs.

 Japan has impressive catcher pedigree. Katsuya Nomura, Koichi Tabuchi, and Masaaki Mori were all playing in 1973, to say nothing of those who came before and since. Tatsuhiko Kimata, with 285 HR to go with a .277 average, is a worthy addition to that list.

#54  Ejiri - Outfielder (Taiyo)

Taiyo’s Top Hitter, Ejiri

Even among all the pitchers who have converted to hitting, Ejiri stands out.  An ace in college, after entering the pros his talents as a hitter were recognized and he made the switch. No surprise then that his .325 average is tops as of June 7th this year. He’s certainly fulfilling his role as the team’s leadoff man. Expect more big things from here on out.

Akira Ejiri had a solid, productive career for the Whales, the Kawasaki-based team that was the precursor to the current DeNA Baystars of neighboring Yokohama. His best season was 1969, when he posted a .283 average and 18 home runs.

#55  Matsubara - First Baseman (Taiyo)

Taiyo’s Cleanup Hitter,  Matsubara

He doesn’t stand out as the core of the team, but Matsubara possesses a fighting spirit that is second to none. A diligent player and team leader, his earnestness has earned him the complete confidence of the clubhouse. He posted a .271 average last year, while this season as of June 7th he is hitting .272. Not bad, but it leaves something to be desired for a player like Matsubara. We’d all like him to hit .300, so let’s root for him to do at least as well as the team’s two foreign players.

 The two foreign players in question are Clete Boyer and John Sipin. Boyer was a notable Major Leaguer and played mainly for the Yankees, with whom he won two World Series as teammates with the likes of Mickey Mantle. Sipin played part of an underwhelming year with the San Diego Padres before breaking through after a move to Japan.