In 1987, Mr. Jun Kawabata achieved the highest win rate in relief efforts… he was inspired by the words “become a super second rate”
Former Hiroshima pitcher Jun Kawabata (Matsushige Town Council, Tokushima), who won the Central League Rookie of the Year in 1985, his second year as a professional, had 10 wins, 2 losses, and 2 saves in 1987, his fourth year, with highest winning percentage (.833). he won the title of With 57 pitches, zero was the starting pitcher, and reached the regular pitching innings as center, and his ERA of 2.42 was the second highest in the league. In fact, the leaders told him to start the season at the end of the season and aim for that title, but he refused, saying, “It’s enough.” It was because I was shocked.
From 1986, in his third year as a professional, Kawabata was appointed mainly as a referee. In 1985, the second year, he scored 11 wins, including two shutouts, but in the third year, he injured his right elbow in camp and moved up to the first team in late May. From there, he served primarily as a top set to contact shortstop pitcher Tsunezumi Tsuda, and had 3 wins, 3 losses and 2 saves. “The reason I injured my right elbow was because I was having a blast winning rookie of the year.
In 1986, Hiroshima won the league title. Even in the Japan Series, which he unfortunately lost to Seibu, Mr. Kawabata played in four games, but he reflected on the previous year and was nervous about maintaining his body. I believe that the same mistake will never be repeated. There was also a goal I wanted to do my best in the starting lineup in the fourth year. However, that wish was not fulfilled. “In spring camp (fourth year), I was called by (director) Anan-san and (first-team pitcher coach) Yasuniya-san, and they said, ‘We’re going to be a reliever from the beginning this year . , and there is no beginner.””.
When I was disappointed by this notice, Toshiyuki Mimura, the running coach of the 1st Army defense base, asked me, “What’s wrong?” When I honestly told him, “Isn’t your goal to be the first pitcher?”, he said this. “Hey, Bata. You’re a pitcher like a craftsman. If a top-class pitcher starts, you’ll be a super second-class pitcher, Ibushigin. Even I couldn’t be a first-class like Koji Yamamoto or Kinugasa -san, but I’m a super second-class pitcher. I’m going to be a part of it.”
Looking back, Mr. Kawabata said, “My motivation increased” after hearing those words. “I think so. The coach’s words and the director’s words are important.” Thanks to that, I changed my mind and went into the season. Contributed to the team only in relief, leaving a record of 6 wins, 0 losses and 1 save at the end of the first half. For Kawabata, it was a satisfying number. However, failing to participate in the All-Star Game again caused anger.
