Collecting and Translating 1981 Calbee Series 1 (Part 2)

Part 2 of my 1981 Calbee translation series. You can read a intro to the set here.

 

#10  Kiyoshi Nakahata - Infielder (Yomiuri Giants)

In terms of guts, Takahata is second to none. This season he will look to elevate his clutch play. His goal of hitting .300 with 30 home runs would be quite an achievement.

 

Nakahata stared for the Giants throughout the 80’s along with future Hall of Famer Tatsunori Hara. Although nothing could come close to matching the V9 dynasty, Nakahata helped make the club’s immediate post-Oh decade successful: two Japan Series Championships (1981, 1989) and two Central League Pennants (1983, 1987).

 

#11  Katsuo Osugi - Infielder (Yakult Swallows)

Not even Charlie Manuel can top Osugi’s dynamic batting. If the Sallows are going to recapture the Championship, they will need to ice games decisively with the long ball.

An all-time great with 486 homers to his name, Osugi won a Japan Series with Manuel in 1978. Unfortunately, the aging pair did not repeat the feat in ‘81.

#12  Yoshiharu Wakana - Catcher (Hanshin Tigers)

Wakana sprained his ankle during spring training, but that looks to not be an issue anymore. He’s now confidently driving his team forward.

 

 #13  Shigeru Kobayashi - Pitcher (Hanshin Tigers)

The right elbow that was hurting Kobayashi last year and his throwing in spring training both look a-okay. He’s been developing a new signature pitch, and a return to 20 wins seems certain.

 

 #14  Akinobu Okada - Infielder (Hanshin Tigers)

The adjustments Okada has made in spring training have been spot on. Even his uncertain defense at second has been honed through experience in last year’s games.