Tsutomu
Wakamatsu
 One of the best Japanese hitters
of all time, Tsutomu Wakamatsu played his entire
19 season career (1971-89) with the Swallows.
Swinging from the left side of
the plate, the right-handed outfielder compiled a
.319 lifetime batting average, second only to
Leron Lee's .320 mark.
Along with 2173 hits (17th on the
all-time list), Wakamatsu collected 355 doubles
(tied for 18th), 220 home runs (53rd), and 151
stolen bases. In 2,062 pro games, he demonstrated
a good eye by collecting 638 walks while only
posting 463 strikeouts.
Though earning his first batting
title with a .320 average his sophomore year and
his second while batting .358 in 1977, Wakamatsu
won the 1978 Central League MVP by hitting .341
and leading the Swallows to their first pennant.
After retiring the all-star
outfielder became a batting coach for the
Swallows.
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