Collecting and Translating the 1973 Calbee Flag-Backs (109, 116, 117, 127, 134)

#109  Higashida - Outfielder (Taiheiyo)

Team Favorite,  Higashida

 The Taiheiyo Lions’ best slugger, Higashida possesses superhuman strength. As a right-handed hitter, you would expect him to be susceptible to balls low and outside, but Higashida sends even tricky offerings like that to the outfield seats with ease. Even so, he’s lighthearted in that typical Lions way, a disposition the people of Kyushu take to. He’s the most popular member of the team. When young fans are seeking autographs, he’ll naturally draw the biggest crowd.

 

 #116  Tabuchi - Catcher (Hanshin)

Will He Become the Home Run King?!

 At 184cm and 81kg, big-bodied catcher Tabuchi boasts the kind of physique that is rare even in pro baseball. Making use of his physical gifts, he’s polished his power swing more and more, and has reached the point where he could even challenge Oh for the home run title. But, with more home runs comes more intentional walks. Being walked makes a batter rusty, and sloppy hitting causes fewer home runs. Having the focus to not shy away from even one hittable pitch is how you become the King.

#117  Motoi - Second Baseman (Taiheiyo)

Taiheiyo’s Third Hitter,  Motoi 

 You might call Motoi a “little big hitter.” If you lined third batters up starting with the smallest, you would definitely get to him faster. Nevertheless, his batting instinct is incredible, he frequently goes deep, and his bunting and hit-and-run game are strong. Ask any opposing pitcher and they are bound to say, “Motoi is the most pesky hitter.” He has a high average this year as well and is on the cusp of .300. Given his clutch hitting, he is definitely the player Manager Inao is leaning on the most.

#127  Sotokoba - Pitcher (Hiroshima)

A Pitching Motion Brimming With Power

 Into the catcher’s mitt with a whoosh, the blazing fastball whizzes by the batter. When Sotokoba is on, the catcher’s hand will end up red and swollen after the game, but his only shouts will be of joy. With a springy waist and feet, a snappy wrist, and his whole upper body like a bow, Sotokoba’s pitching motion is brimming with power.

 

#134  Yamamoto - Outfielder (Hiroshima)

Player Directory

Not to be confused with Koji Yamamoto—Kazuyoshi, the elder Yamamoto in the Carp’s outfield at the time, is not a Hall of Famer like his understudy but nevertheless had a long and successful career in Hiroshima.