【江藤慎一 移籍】首位打者の勲章を背負いながらも、次々と球団を追われた男の真実。中日から始まりロッテ、大洋、太平洋、ロッテへと続き六畳一間の監督生活でも野球への情熱を失わなかった“野武士打者”の生涯

Shinichi Eto joined the Chunichi Dragons in 1959 and won the batting title in consecutive years, in 1964 and 1965. In 1971, he led the batting average for his new team, the Lotte Marines, becoming the first player in professional baseball history to lead both leagues in batting average. In 1964, Sadaharu Oh led the league in home runs and RBIs, and also led the league in batting average, making the first postwar Triple Crown a reality. However, Eto seemed to put a stop to that dream, capturing the hearts of fans with his soulful play, including head-sliding to first base on an infield grounder. But things didn't always go smoothly. When Shigeru Mizuhara became manager in 1969, Eto protested on behalf of the team against unreasonable coaching, angering the manager and resulting in his trade during the off-season. Fans launched a petition calling for the withdrawal, and Eto himself knelt at Mizuhara's home, begging to stay, but was rejected and transferred to Lotte. His baseball career continued to be full of ups and downs. In 1972, he was traded to Taiyo at the request of new manager Keiji Osawa, who emphasized defense and baserunning over hitting. In 1975, he transferred to the Pacific Club Lions as a player and manager. The team was a weak franchise based in Fukuoka, a successor to Nishitetsu and struggling in the aftermath of the Black Mist Incident. Financial difficulties meant little support, and Eto was provided with a one-room apartment with only six tatami mats. When his daughter was shocked by the poor living conditions, Eto quietly remarked, "I don't care what happens as long as I can play baseball." Nevertheless, he led the team to its first Class A title, and a remarkable run saw Doi Masahiro become the home run king and Shirai Niten become the batting champion. However, this beloved leader was dismissed at the end of the season, and he returned to Lotte. Career Stats/Titles 2,084 games played, 2,057 hits, 367 home runs, 1,189 RBIs, .287 batting average 3-time batting champion