1973 Calbee Translation Archive

     This page serves as the master archive of all the 1973 Calbee cards I have translated. Cards are presented here in numerical order and without the occasional extra commentary provided in the original posts in which they appear.

 

#4  Nagashima - Third Baseman (Giants) 

Nagashima's Home Run Pace

#5  Nagashima - Third Baseman (Giants)

Nagashima's Ability As A Hitter

In college (Rikkyo University), Nagashima rewrote the record books as a home run hitter. Since joining the Giants he's been smashing them as a pro. It's been said that a player as great as him comes once in a decade. To understand the difference between Nagashima and other players, consider how Nagashima, even if his form is off, will still excel with an almost animalistic instinct for getting the bat on the ball.

 #8  Oh - First Baseman (Giants)

Oh's Home Run Record

 

#9  Oh - First Baseman (Giants)

Oh's Major Records

 #10  Oh - First Baseman (Giants)

 

 Oh's Career Progression

1959  Debuts batting 7th

Same Year  Hits first home run off Kokutetsu's Murata

1960  Bats 3rd the first game against Taiyo. The 'Oh-Nagashima Combo' is born

1961  In the sixth game against Taiyo, the ON Combo hits their first back-to-back home run

1962  Debuts one-legged stance in the fifteenth game against Taiyo

1963  April 21st, first time hitting a home run in four consecutive games

1964  In the seventh game against Hanshin, hits a home run in four consecutive at-bats

1970  Hits a home run in five consecutive games

1972  Becomes second in history after Nomura to hit 500 home runs and achieves a home run in seven consecutive games.

 

 #11 Oh - First Baseman (Giants) 

 

Oh's Defense

The Giants' defense is an iron wall. Above all, when it shifts for a bunt, the batter must worry about whether Oh at first or Nagashima at third will get the ball, no matter how he lays it down. Swing for the fences and risk striking out. Try to force a bunt and get caught in a double play. Oh’s defense at first is a model for other players.

#13  Horiuchi - Pitcher (Giants)

Cheerful Horiuchi

 Horiuchi, known as "the Little Rascal," has become a mainstay in the Giants rotation after winning 26 games in '72 and at least 10 games a season since his debut. A holder of 8 titles, not the least of which is MVP, he enjoyed the "Year of Horiuchi" in the Central League last season.  Gifted in mind, body and skill, Horiuchi has worked his way up to Giants' Ace. Keep an eye out for what he does next.

 

#14  Horiuchi - Pitcher (Giants)

Horiuchi's Pitching Record

 #15  Horiuchi - Pitcher (Giants)

Will He Become a True Ace and Star of Korakuen?

It is said that a true ace always reaches the 20-win mark. Horiuchi will need to train extra hard this year to earn that distinction. He is doing his best to rival “Star of Koshien” Hyuma Hoshi in becoming the “Star of Korakuen.” Even a Giants ace must help maintain the field and retrieve balls. Let’s all cheer him on.

#16  Takahashi (Kazu) - Pitcher (Giants)

 

Lefty Ace! Kazumi Takahashi

 Takahashi achieved a 20 plus win season in 1969, three years earlier than even Horiuchi. Since then, he has gone on to become a lefty ace, posting 10 or more wins each season. Given his success as a fastball pitcher, he has even gotten invitations to the Big Leagues. His task for this year has been control. Like his name, he was seeing 3-1 a lot, so he needed to reduce his walk total and put batters away earlier. His efforts have paid off. As of June 15 this year, his top ranked ERA and his 9 victories, a mark he only reached more than halfway through last season, are proof of that.

 

 #17 Takahashi (Kazu) - Pitcher (Giants)

 

 

Kazumi Takahashi's Pitching Record

 

#18  Shibata - Outfielder (Giants)

 

Unshakable Leadoff Man!  Shibata

An unshakable leadoff man brimming with fight. Shibata, a batter capable of going yard, has also hit third in the order but has since put aside any lingering attachment to home runs to focus on squaring up the ball. The result was a .293 average last year, one step closer to his goal of .300. This year more than ever has Shibata resolved to make contact and join the ranks of the .300 hitters. Leadoff is a key point for the Giants order, and he has become reliable as the point man for ON. Count on even more of the same this year.

#19  Shibata - Outfielder (Giants)

Shibata's Batting Record

#20  Shibata - Outfielder (Giants)

Sure-Footed Shibata

Aiming to be stolen base leader, Shibata is flying around the diamond this year as well. Red gloves have become his prominent trademark. Standing at first, he pulls the red gloves from his back pocket and puts them on as the fans anticipate when he will run. What’s more, if the opposing pitcher is right handed, he’ll enter the left batter’s box. With a lefty, he’ll stand ready on the right side. A switch hitter, Shibata can bat both ways. He gets a lot of infield hits from the left side in particular, so opposing infielders, be on alert.

 #21  Takada - Outfielder (Giants)

Call It: A .300 Average!  Takada

 Takada is tenacious on offense. Defensively, he has gained many fans as the “Magician of the Outfield Fence,” and won a Gold Glove last year. However, since batting .300 his rookie season, he hasn’t again gotten a taste of that mark. Of course this year Takada is staying on the grind, but he has been unable to shake his tendency to pull the ball, and so is completely retooling his form. With gradual improvements in his average now, look forward to him once again joining the ranks of the .300 hitters.

 

#22  Takada - Outfielder (Giants)

Takada, The “Magician of the Fence”

The Giants faithful are not just fans of ON. Ask any fan what it is they love about Takada and they will tell you: defense. Especially on a line drive, watch Takada snag the would-be double and hurl it to second. On a flyball towards the left field bleachers, he’ll make the catch with a perfectly timed jump right at the fence. He isn’t called ‘The Magician of the Fence’ for nothing. 

#23  Doi - Second Baseman (Giants)

Team-Player Doi

Although small in stature, Doi made the Giants starting lineup. Just like the old saying, “Little grains of sansho tingle and burn,” he causes pains for the opposing team. With a runner on first it’s hard to know what to do against him. His hitting prowess alone keeps opponents on their toes and filled with trepidation, but if he's allowed to bunt, he won’t miss either. Though undersized, Doi’s grit can put bigger men to shame. Never underestimate someone smaller than you.

#24  Doi - Second Baseman (Giants)

Doi’s Batting Record

#25  Mori - Catcher (Giants)

 

Wingman Mori

 Mori’s name will be mentioned among the greatest catchers in baseball history. Now in his 19th year as a backstop, he has unquestionably become the starting nine’s wingman. As the defensive cornerstone this season also, he must train his understudies Yoshida and Ano well. After all, he is the team’s battery coach too. Busy with his dual role, he has been counting on Yoshida a lot more.

#26  Mori - Catcher (Giants)

Mori’s 10-Year Batting Record

#27  Yoshida - Catcher (Giants)

Fight to Be the Everyday Catcher!  Yoshida

Every year, Yoshida is expected to take the reins from Mori, but his passivity has proved to be a problem. Starting last year and on into this season, his composure has increased and he has displayed an assertiveness not seen before. Now Yoshida is eager to shoot for the starting role. If he works on his pitch calling a bit more, there will be no qualms about his defense. The question is batting. Some experts note that if Yoshida can hit around .280 it’s possible he will overtake Mori for the full-time job.

#28  Kuroe - Shortstop (Giants)

Kuroe’s Fighting Spirit

 Kuroe has succeeded Oh as President of the Players Association. Although small for a pro, his reputation for fighting spirit is well established. His teammates trust him so much that they nominated him unanimously for his new role. ON have lead the way to 8 consecutive championships, but this season Kuroe is the new team leader. That’s not to say Kuroe has all the makings of ON, but he will lay the foundation for tomorrow with his efforts, in every sense of the word. Reflecting on last season, during which he did not achieve the .300 average he so desired, Kuroe vowed to always strive to be a decisive hitter going forward.

 

#29  Sekimoto - Pitcher (Giants)

Sharp-Shooter  Sekimoto

At spring training in Miyazaki, Sekimoto was worked hard by Coach Fujita and, much to the delight of the Giants brass,  rediscovered his shootball. If his velocity and control match when he won Rookie of the Year, at least 15 wins seem assured. This year, he is showing that velocity and getting the coaches’ seal of approval for a comeback. Now Sekimoto seems like the first choice to follow Horiuchi and Takahashi in the rotation, so here’s to his success.

#30  Sekimoto - Pitcher (Giants)

Sekimoto’s Pitching Record

#31  Sugawara - Pitcher (Giants)

The Giants' Third Pitcher!  Sugawara

Sugawara is a valuable arm for the Giants. Whether he can challenge the record for most consecutive wins in one stadium is a hot topic. With 15 straight victories at Korakuen, he has been raring to break Inao’s mark of 19 in a row (Heiwadai) since opening day. An efficient pitcher who’s once again a stranger to the loss column, he is 33-8 for his career—good for an .805 winning percentage. Especially pitching at Korakuen does Sugawara display unrivaled strength. Head over and see him when he takes the mound.

 #32  Sugawara - Pitcher (Giants)

Sugawara's Pitching Record

#33  Yanagida - Outfielder (Giants)

 

An Ace-In-The-Hole Batting Left!  Yanagida

With decent range, Yanagida has made his presence known as a clutch pinch hitter from the left side of the plate. This year marks the fifth since he was acquired from Nishitetsu,  and he is really finding his stride.

Yanagida's Giants Batting Record

#34  Doi - Second Base (Giants)

Dashing Hero Doi

With great speed to the right or left, Doi will put his whole body into catching a hot grounder like it’s nothing. A big hit with the kids, his competitiveness is unrivaled.  Doi often plays through minor injuries, but you wouldn’t know it from his face. He often surprises his manager, who will have had no idea he was banged up in the first place. How best to execute a double play with a runner on first... the cerebral Doi will consider it right in the middle of the action.

#35  Takada - Outfielder (Giants)

Takada’s Batting Record

 

#36  Takada - Outfielder (Giants)

                                                    Takada’s Batting Record By Opposing Team in ‘72

                    My goal for this year is to hit at least .280 against Hiroshima. Please cheer me on!

#37  Shibata, Takada, Suetsugu (Giants)

 

 

The Trio Backing ON

 

 Fully entrenched as the leadoff man, Shibata’s goal this year is to hit .300 and raise his on-base percentage. Preceding ON is a big job. It’s do-or-die this year for Takada as the #2 batter. Naturally, his goal is to hit .300. Every year Suetsugu, known as ‘Mr. Spring,’ seems to peter out down the stretch.  At the end of a pennant race his spring savings end up depleted. .300 is within his grasp, and it seems this year he could rid himself of the frustration over not realizing it.  Photo: from left  Shibata, Kuroe, Suetsugu

 

 #38  Doi - Second Base,  Kuroe - Shortstop (Giants)

The Giants’ Keystone Combo

Just like its iron wall between third and short, the space between second and short is just as fortified for the Giants!! Expect even more double plays this year. On a grounder that looks sure to poke into center past second base, shortstop Kuroe is there, tossing it to Doi rushing toward second as if at the very moment it reaches his glove. In another instant, Doi touches the bag and the ball is already in Oh’s waiting mitt at first for the double play. Photo: Doi (jumping), Kuroe (below).

 #39  Horiuchi - Pitcher,  Mori - Catcher (Giants)

The Golden Battery

It goes without saying that pitcher Horiuchi and catcher Mori have been key figures throughout ‘V8’—they’ve been together as a battery for seven years now. More polished than ever, they’re ready to go for ‘V9.’ Horiuchi has gotten off to a bit of a slow start this year, but for the past seven seasons, even with a slow start he hasn’t once gotten fewer than 10 wins. Of course this season he’s hungry to be a true ace. He should definitely be able to raise his win total this summer. With Mori as a wingman on top of his game, he can be assured of that. Be sure to keep your eye on these two.

#40  Kuroe - Shortstop (Giants)

Kuroe’s Batting Record

#41  Suetsugu - Outfielder (Giants)

A Fighter In The Fifth Hole  Suetsugu

The long awaited fifth batter to protect ON is finally here. Suetsugu is not flashy, but the steady, persistent work he has put in over the last 8 years is bearing fruit. During spring training in Miyazaki, manager Kawakami returned with Suetsugu to their hometown and gave this ringing endorsement: ‘People of Hitoyoshi,  Suetsugu’s growth has been impressive. He’ll be batting fifth for us this year.’ Added Suetsugu, ‘Personally, I’d say I started gaining confidence about 2 years ago, so I consider myself more like a third-year pro and that’s how I’ll go about things.’ Confident and modest. More and more he’s giving up the ‘Mr. Spring’ moniker.

 #42  Yoshida - Catcher (Giants)

 

Yoshida's Batting Record

#43  Takahashi (Kazu) - Pitcher (Giants)

Training Hard  Takahashi (Kazu)

On days with no game, all players from ON on down can be found at the Tamagawa Ground practicing their positions. The pitchers may even throw around 400 pitches in a day, not stopping until they’re satisfied. Talk about stamina. It’s enough to make you think an arm might fall off. After that’s done, they run laps around the grounds to develop lower body strength. Then, it’s calisthenics with the coaches and a massage. Impressive, isn’t it?

#44  Takahashi (Kazu) - Pitcher (Giants)

Takahashi’s Pitching Record by Opposing Team in ‘72

Takahashi is already in complete control with 9 wins by 6/15 of this year, and has the momentum to raise it to 20 or more. Go for it, Kazu!

#45  Horiuchi - Pitcher (Giants)

Takahashi’s Pitching Record by Opposing Team in ‘72

Last year saw Horiuchi attain his highest win total since entering the pros. Chunichi was the only team he had a losing record against. His match-ups against them should be key for this season.

 #46  Suetsugu - Outfielder (Giants)

Suetsugu’s Batting Record

#47  Suetsugu - Outfielder (Giants)

Great Talents Bloom Late!  Suetsugu

Suetsugu started to show his real ability around the ‘71 season. Slowly but surely he’s been distinguishing himself, and the Giants brass have started to pin their hopes on him. Case in point: the goal this year is for him to stick as the number 5 hitter. It is early in the season, but as of June 7th he has even hit third and has notched 5 home runs. His hard work places him in the top 10 in batting at 4th overall with a .316 average. He is living up to expectations with his contributions to the clean-up effort.

 #48  Horiuchi - Pitcher (Giants)

Horiuchi’s Pitching

As you can see by this picture, before the pitch Horiuchi will read the catcher’s sign and determine if it matches the pitch he had in mind. If it differs, he will probe for something more suitable against the batter. Right when he’s in sync with the catcher, he’ll fire it off. When keeping a runner on first or second in check, not letting him become a distraction can be the difference between getting the batter out or not. Horiuchi in particular has a reputation for reigning in runners. Not even leading runners can take a lead off the bag against him.

#49  Mori - Catcher (Giants)

Mori’s Batting and Record by Team

Hitting to the opposite field—a pitch that paints the outside corner hit squarely with perfect timing before dropping into left field is an exquisite thing.

 #50  Yoshida - Catcher (Giants)

A Strong Arm!  Yoshida

A throw like an arrow to second. When it comes to preventing stolen bases, without support from the pitcher pick-offs can’t happen, but what’s even more important is the catcher’s arm and control. A split second is the difference between a runner getting away with it or being dead to rights. After the catch, everything from the range of the throwing motion to how the planting of the feet is timed must align precisely, otherwise picking off a base runner will prove difficult.

 #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.

#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!!

 #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.

#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.

#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.