Shohei Otani, Yu Darvish, and Samurai Japan’s first Nikkei player, Lars Nootvar, have played an active role in the 5th WBC (World Baseball Classic), which has generated enthusiasm throughout Japan. Every time I see them in action, I wonder what kind of players would have been selected if the WBC had been around for a long time. So, assuming there was a WBC in 1983, 40 years ago from now, I tried to create “the strongest Japan” with dogmatic and biased.
Japanese samurai members of 40 years ago, chosen by dogmatism and prejudice
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The three starting columns / Taku Egawa (Giant), Manabu Kitabeppu (Hiroshima), Hisashi Yamada (Hankyu)
The ace is Suguru Egawa, who can go straight against big hitters. In 1982, he showed success with 19 wins, using a fastball that was unhittable even if he knew it. Manabu Kitabeppu won the Sawamura Award in 1982, beating Egawa for 20 wins with his outstanding ball control, described as a “precision machine.” In particular, the in and out slide is excellent, and even top hitters will be surprised by its clarity and controllability.
And one other pitcher that should definitely be included is Hisashi Yamada. A legend who has been described as the best “submarine” in baseball in Japan and has won a total of 284 victories. Looking back at the history of international tournaments in Japan, the success of undersea pitchers is essential. Even at the time, it was rare to see a pitcher throw straight over 140km of sub throw, and it’s easy to imagine Yamada pitching against a major leaguer.
In addition, Kiyoshi Nishimoto, who supported the Giants’ starting line with Egawa, using his treasure shot as a weapon, and Yutaka Ohno (Hiroshima), who throws sharp straight shots with his left arm and dynamic form, should be included in the starting line.. sea bream.
Suppress, Yutaka Enatsu (Nippon Ham)
At that time, the concept of a closer had not been established, and no pitcher pitched in just one inning of a winning game like now. Under such circumstances, Yutaka Enatsu, who took the nickname “winning contractor” as a relief pitcher in his later years, is a rare existence. Although he lacks the speed of his prime, he still has excellent ball control and passing skills, and is sure to show great success as the guardian of the Japanese national team.
