On the 16th, Orix Buffaloes announced that Toshio Kanbe, a left-handed pitcher who achieved a total of 90 wins while playing 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.

Mr. Kambe graduated from Takasago High School in Hyogo Prefecture and, after playing for the professional team Fuji Steel Hirohata (now Nippon Steel Setouchi), joined the Kintetsu Buffaloes as the second overall pick in the 1969 draft.From his very first year, he established himself as a key member of the starting rotation, recording eight wins. On April 20, 1975, in a game against the Nankai Hawks (at Fujiidera), he became the first player to achieve a no hitter since the designated hitter rule was adopted Pacific League.

He transferred to Yakult in 1979. On October 12, 1980, in a game The Giants (at Korakuen Stadium), he gave up a home run to The Giants, who hit his 30th home run for the 19th consecutive year. This was Oh's 868th home run, his last as an active player. He was a master of pickoff throws and was even acknowledged as "the most difficult pitcher to steal against" by Yutaka Fukumoto, the "King stolen base in the World," who had been his rival since their amateur days.

He retired from active play in 1982. Afterward, he served as a coach for the Yakult, Kintetsu, and Orix Buffaloes. Partnering with legendary manager Akira Ogi, he also served as a pitcher coach for the Orix Buffaloes following their merger.He was also known as a renowned talent scout, having developed players such as left-hander Yang Hyun-jong—who recorded 194 career wins in the KBO—while with the KIA Tigers in South Korea.

◆ Toshio Kanbe (Kanbe Toshio) Born March 24, 1943, in Takasago City, Hyogo. During junior high, he played outfielder, and after 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 Intercity Baseball Tournament in 1968 and winning the Hashido Sho. He joined Kintetsu in the 1969 draft as the second pick. In 1979, he transferred to Yakult. He appeared in the All-Star Baseball Festival three times. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach for Kintetsu, Orix Buffaloes, and Korean teams. 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.