Katsuo Osugi

Though he only played the last nine seasons of his career (1965-83) with the Swallows, Katsuo Osugi helped lead Yakult out of obscurity.

Named the 1978 Japan Series MVP, the right-handed first baseman slugged 199 home runs with 688 RBIs for the Swallows while batting .294 (including a .349 average in 1981).

Including his years with the Flyers and Fighters organization, Osugi clubbed 486 career home runs (eighth on the all-time list), 1507 RBIs (seventh).

Prior to joining Yakult, Osugi earned two home run crowns (1970-71) and two RBI titles (1970 and '72). In 1996, he was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.