Yasuji Ibe

Yasuji Ibe (井辺 康二)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 176 lb.

• School Tokai University
• High School Tokai University Shoyo High School

• Born July 21, 1959 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Japan

BR register page

Biographical Information

Yasuji Ibe spent a decade with the Lotte Orions.

In college, Ibe won 19 consecutive games, setting a Tokyo Metropolitan University League. He was a first-round pick by Lotte in 1981 NPB draft. He made his Pacific League debut in 1983, going 1-1 with a 5.28 ERA. He was 1-0 with a 3.03 ERA in 15 outings in 1984.

Ibe was 2-4 with a save and a 3.93 ERA in 44 games in 1986 but only pitched 14 2/3 rough innings (20 H, 12 BB, 14 R, 0-2) in 1987. In 1988, he had a 0-3, 4.29 record. He had a 4.15 ERA in 10 games in 1989 and followed with a 2-0, 3 Sv, 2.68 season in 1990.

In 1991, Ibe walked 32 in 53 2/3 IP but was still 4-2 with a 2.85 ERA, aided by a .210 opponent average. He had a 3.48 ERA in 9 games in 1992 to wrap things up.

Ibe is notable for being the first player to appear on a card by BBM, which would become the most prominent baseball card company in Japan, an odd honor for a player of his caliber; most baseball cards companies have focused on stars for their introductory card.

Ibe was 10-12 with four saves and a 3.78 ERA in 168 games in Nippon Pro Baseball.

Ibe became a coach for Lotte after he finished as a player.