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Tabuchi to become new Hanshin coach

OSAKA, Japan - Eleven-time All-Star catcher Koichi Tabuchi (C) shakes hands with Hanshin Tigers president Katsuyoshi Nozaki (L), flanked by newly appointed team manager Senichi Hoshino (R) at a press conference in Osaka on Dec. 20. Tabuchi, currently a baseball commentator, has signed a contract to join the Central League team as a chief batting coach. ''I'm simply overjoyed. I can't wait to wear the pinstriped uniform and work with the players,'' said Tabuchi, who was Hanshin's No. 1 draft pick and Rookie of the Year in 1969.