a brief halt to Sadaharu Oh's winning another title after his thirteen-year streak beginning in 1962. During Tabuchi's last seasons with the Tigers, he often turned the wrong ways while chasing after foul flies. Seibu Lions After the 1978 season, Tabuchi was traded to the Seibu Lions. With the Lions he won the Japan Series two years in a row, in 1982 and 1983. Post-player career After his 1984 retirement, he managed the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks and coached the Tigers. From 1985 to 1989, again from 1993 to 2001, and again beginning in 2004 he has been a commentator for Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS). Tabuchi is the head batting coach of the Japan national baseball team. Data Jersey number: 22 (1969–1984) 81 (1990–1992) 88 (2002–2003, 2011-2012) Awards and honors Rookie of the year, Central League, 1969 Home run king, Central League, 1975 Matsutaro Shoriki Award, 1983 See also List of top Nippon Professional Baseball home run hitters Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! References External links Career statistics - NPB.jp 1946 births Living people Baseball people from Tokyo Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks managers Hosei University alumni Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Japanese baseball players Hanshin Tigers players Managers of baseball teams in Japan Nippon Professional Baseball designated hitters Nippon Professional Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners Seibu Lions players