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RobsJapaneseCards.com Yutaka Enatsu Cards
Tigers 1967-75; Hawks 1976-77; Carp 1978-80; Fighters 1981-83; Lions 1984
Eligible for Meikyukai Membership
Voted by the Japanese fans as the greatest pitcher in the history of Japanese baseball, Enatsu’s personal problems were headline news and interfered with his career. Enatsu led the Central League in strikeouts in his rookie season, and he won the Sawamura Award with 25 wins and 401 strikeouts (a single season record that still stands today) the following year. Pitching for the Tigrrs from 1967 to 1975, he had for 20 win seasons, led the league in strikeouts six times, and ERA once. Off-the-field problems, caused Enatsu to be traded to the Hawks in 1976. He led the Pacific League with 19 saves in 1977, but nonetheless was traded to Hiroshima at season’s end. In his 3 years with the Carp, Enatsu led the league in saves twice and helped the team to two Japan Series titles. He also picked up the 1979 Central League MVP Award. Following the 1980 season, the Carp traded Enatsu to the Fighters. Enatsu quickly re-established himself as the Pacific League’s top reliever winning 3 consecutive save titles. His 25 saves in 1981 helped bring the Fighters to the Japan Series and gained him a second MVP Award. Despite a 2.33 ERA and 34 saves in 1983, he was traded to Seibu after the season. After shoving the Lions’ manager, he was released in 1984. In 1985, he reported to spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers but failed to take the Major League team. He retired with 193 saves (2nd on the all-time list), 2987 strikeouts (5th on the all-time list) and a 2.49 ERA.
If you have any questions
Email Rob at rob@robsjapanesecards.comOr Call 212-828-6678 (New York City)
A detailed biography of Enatsu and a selected checklist of his cards is available in Japanese Baseball SuperStars by Robert Fitts and Gary Engel which can be purchased below
"Enatsu, Yutaka 1972-73 Bromide NM"
Code: 1brenatsu72br
Price: $50.00
Quantity in Basket: none
"Enatsu, Yutaka 1978 Yamakatsu NM"
Code: 1brentasu78yama
Price: $20.00
Quantity in Basket: none
"Enatsu, Yutaka 1979 TCMA #27 NM"
Code: 1brenatsutcma
Price: $5.00
Quantity in Basket: none
"Enatsu, Yutaka 1984 Takara Kids NM"
Code: 1brenatsu84tk
Price: $20.00
Quantity in Basket: none
"Enatsu, Yutaka 1980 Yamakatsu NM"
Code: 1brenatsu80yama
Price: $20.00
Quantity in Basket: none
"Enatsu, Yutaka 2000 BBM Century's Best #136 NM"
Code: 1brentasu20136
Price: $5.00
Quantity in Basket: none