Orix Buffaloes announced on the 16th that Toshio Kanbe, who played for Kintetsu and Yakult, passed away on the 15th. He was 83 years old. The wake and funeral will be held as a private family affair. They also intend to decline condolences and floral tributes.

Mr. Kanbe graduated from Hyogo Takasago High School, played for Fuji Steel Hirohata (now Nippon Steel Setouchi) as a corporate player, and joined Kintetsu as the second pick in the 1969 draft. He marked eight wins as a starter from his rookie year. On April 20, 1975, in the game against Nankai (Fujidera), he also achieved no hitter. This was the first time since the DH system was adopted in Pacific League. After transferring to Yakult in 1979, he retired from active play in 1982. Afterwards, he served as a pitcher coach for Yakult, Kintetsu, Orix Buffaloes, and Korean teams.

In a game The Giants on October 12, 1980 (at Korakuen Stadium), he gave up a home run to The Giants, his 30th of the season, marking his 19th consecutive year with a home run. This was Oh's 868th Home Run and his last home run as an active player.

◆ Toshio Kanbe (Kanbe Toshio) Born March 24, 1943, in Takasago City, Hyogo. During junior high, he switched to outfielder, and from his time at Takasago High School, he switched to pitcher. After playing for Mitsubishi Paper, he played for Fujitetsu Hirohata (now Nippon Steel Setouchi), winning the 1968 Intercity Baseball Tournament and the Hashido Sho. In 1969, he joined Kintetsu as the second pick in the draft. In 1979, he transferred to Yakult. He appeared in the All-Star Baseball Game three times. After retiring as a player, he worked as a coach for Kintetsu and Orix Buffaloes. Over 12 years of active service, he played 370 games, recording 90 wins, 89 losses, and 16 saves, with a ERA of 3.15. He batted and threw left-handed.