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1975 was the worst season in the history
of the Yomiuri Giants as they finished in last place. The Giants
responded by signing Pacific League superstar Isao Harimoto in the off-season
and promised to win the pennant. The Giants didn't dispoint their
fans as they won a hard fought race with the Hanshin Tigers. The
Giants team included Sadaharu Oh, Harimoto, Dave Johnson, Isao Shibata
and Clyde Wright. The 1976 Tigers nearly stole the pennant from the
Giants with an amazing run in September and October. Hanshin's powerful
lineup included Koichi Tabuchi, Taira Fujita, Masayuki Kakefu, Hal Breeden
and Mike Reinbach. The Carp with Sawamura Award winner Kojiro Ikegaya,
superstars Sachio Kinugasa and Koji Yamamoto, and gaijin Richie Scheinblum
and Gail Hopkins finished a disappointing third. Replayers may find
this to be a stronger team. Others stars included batting leader
Kenichi Yazawa of the Dragons, and Tsutomu Wakamatsu of the Swallows.
The 1976 Central Laegue for APBA was created
by Stan Berger.
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