1980 Calbee Large: A Scarce and Intriguing Set (Part 4)

Part 4 of my 1980 Calbee Large survey. This segment features "The Japanese Joe DiMaggio" and a couple notable American players. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Archive

#24  Philip James - Outfielder (Taiyo)

 Nicknamed “Skip,” James is pegged as an outfielder for Taiyo but his defense at first is also first rate.

Skip James played sparingly for the San Francisco Giants in 1977 and ‘78. In ‘79 he joined the Minor League Vancouver Canadians before making the move to NPB the following year. Although James had a solid season for the Whales (.269, 21 HR), 1980 would be his final year as a player. This card is notable as being one of only a few cards from block 1 (#1-48) to feature a player blurb rather than just basic statistics.

#25  Yoshihiko Takahashi - Infielder (Hiroshima)

Takahashi holds the NPB record for most consecutive games with a hit (33). I was a bit surprised this record does not belong to Ichiro, although Ichiro does have the record for most consecutive games reaching base (69).

#26  Mike Reinbach - Outfielder (Hanshin)

Reinbach played a handful of games for the Orioles in 1974. In ‘76 he signed with the Tigers, kicking off a successful 5 year stint in Japan. Tragically, Reinbach died in a car accident in 1989, at age 39.

 

#27   Tsutomu Wakamatsu - Outfielder (Yakult)

If there is a “Mister Swallows” it must be Wakamatsu. The maverick outfielder was a career .319 hitter over 19 seasons with the team. He won an MVP the year Yakult won their first Japan series (1978), along with 2 batting titles (‘72, ‘77). He would win 4 more championships as a Swallows coach and manager.

 

#28  Kenichi Yazawa - Infielder (Chunichi)

#29  Charlie Manuel - Outfielder (Kintetsu)

Before becoming the most successful manager in Philadelphia Phillies history, Manuel had a successful career in Japan with the Swallows and Buffaloes. He won Pacific League MVP in 1979.

 

#31  Masataka Nashida - Catcher (Kintetsu)

Nashida was a longtime catcher known primarily for his stalwart defense. He also has 805 managerial wins to his name.