Collecting and Translating the 1973 Calbee Bat-Backs (Part 14)

 This post marks the first featuring the bat-back set’s Block 2 high number cards. Cards #73-91 were released only in western Japan and are significantly scarcer than cards from Block 1 as well as their own flag-back counterparts, which were released nationally with the expanded set. These cards are truly rare and pretty much unavailable to Western collectors. As even good reference images of them are few and far between, I hope these prove useful and enjoyable. But first, the last Block 1 card.

#72  Shibuya - Pitcher (Chunichi)

Cruising to 6 Shutouts,  Shibuya

Relentless when he pours it on, a throwing style that gives the batter not a moment of leeway is the greatest weapon of Shibuya the miracle pitcher! Pitch after pitch, sharp and ever changing: a shoot, then a slider... The opposition could make a mountain out of all those easy flies and grounders. A truly spirited and cerebral pitcher, Shibuya is 9-5 through the first half. Among those wins are 6 shutouts, including 3 against the Giants. That’s tops in both leagues. Awesome!

Yukiharu Shibuya was a promising pitcher until a shoulder injury in 1975 would go on to end his career prematurely. His best season was indeed ‘73, when he posted a 2.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 198.1 innings pitched.

#73  Tabuchi - Catcher (Hanshin)

Kind and Strong,  Tabuchi

Big, strong, and handsome to boot, it’s only natural the homerun-hitting Tabuchi is so popular. A true blue Tokyoite born and raised, the generous Tabuchi often gives out the prizes he receives for winning home run awards to younger players. After games, you’ll see him signing autographs for young fans with a smile.

I don’t know what home run awards this card is referring to exactly. Tabuchi only won the season home run title once, in ‘75, making it certain these are lesser awards for home run feats in say a month or even a single game. Giving players prizes from team sponsors is a common occurrence in Japanese baseball. I’ve seen prizes ranging from a year’s supply of some foodstuff to a car. 

#74  Emoto - Pitcher (Nankai)

Blazing Fastball Ace,  Emoto

Whereas the average pitcher’s balls may register a mere plop in the catcher’s mitt, Emoto’s give off a resounding thump. His blazing fastball makes batters overextend and miss the barrel. Through the first half he has given up just 5 homers. His teammate Yamauchi has given up 15—a testament to just how powerful Emoto’s offerings are. They can always count on you, Ace!

Takenori Emoto is probably best known for the incident that led to his retirement. In 1981 with the Hanshin Tigers, a frustrated Emoto made disparaging remarks about the bench after being substituted. Although not explicitly directed at the manager, the remarks were interpreted as such, and Emoto was forced to retire. This incident is a good illustration of a cultural difference between Japanese and Western baseball, or it should be said between Japan and the West in general. Japan is far more oriented toward unquestioned deference to elders and authority than Western cultures, and individual opinions matter less. Though publicly clashing with or questioning your manager in MLB may be uncouth or potentially grounds for discipline, in Japanese baseball it is something of a mortal sin. It is likely that perceived disrespect toward the manager is the main reason why American Tuffy Rhodes, despite having 464 HR in NPB, has been kept out of the Hall of Fame.

#76  Fujita - Shortstop (Hanshin)

Sharp Batting Standout,  Fujita

Packing a punch from the left side batter’s box, Fujita is Hanshin’s core hitter. To bat third while playing shortstop is incredibly hard work, but Fujita’s batting prowess is also driven by a prodigious intuition. Outside corner, inside... his ability to hit anything is outstanding. Time and again he has made a run at the batting title to no avail, but still has it in his sights: “This year for sure I’d like to hit .300 and be the batting champ,” says the the all-rounder with the speed, hitting and defense to back it up.

#77  Sakurai - Second Baseman (Nankai)

Unwavering Second Hitter,  Sakurai

“Sakurai has developed into the best second baseman in Japan,” raves Nankai head coach Blazer. The range he can defend has increased considerably along with his dependability, and he handles tough grounders effortlessly between second and short in a dash. Providing stability if not flashiness since donning Nankai’s colors, he has adapted well and settled in perfectly at number two in the order. The best is yet to come!

“Head coach Blazer” refers to Don “Blazer” Blasingame, a Mississippi native who played for, coached, and eventually managed the Nankai Hawks (and Hanshin Tigers) after a solid career as a Major League journeyman. Foreign coaches and managers remain rare in Japanese baseball, making Don something of a trail-“blazer”.