Kaoru Betto

Kaoru Betto (別当 薫, Bettō Kaoru, August 23, 1920 - April 16, 1999) was a Nippon Professional Baseball player. After playing for the Ōsaka Tigers for two years, Betto played for the Mainichi Orions from 1950 to 1957. In his first season with the Orions, Betto won the NPB's first Pacific League MVP Award and helped lead the team to victory in the first Japan Series.

Kaoru Betto 別当 薫
Outfielder / Manager
Born: August 23, 1920 Nishinomiya, Hyōgo
Died: April 16, 1999 (aged 78)
Batted: Right Threw: Right
NPB debut
1948, for the Ōsaka Tigers
Last NPB appearance
1957, for the Mainichi Orions
NPB statistics
Batting average	.302
Hits	965
RBIs	549
Teams
As a player Ōsaka Tigers (1948–1949) Mainichi Orions (1950–1957) As a manager Mainichi Orions/Mainichi Daimai Orions (1952, 1954–1959) Kintetsu Buffaloes (1962–1964) Taiyō Whales/Yokohama Taiyō Whales (1968–1972, 1977–1979) Hiroshima Toyo Carp (1973)
Career highlights and awards
1950 Pacific League MVP 1950 Japan Series champion 1950 Japan Series MVP
Member of the Japanese
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction	1988
Election Method	Selection Committee for Players
Last updated on: November 24, 2009

A T-shirt featuring a cartoon image of Kaoru Betto was worn by Jeff Bridges' characters in at least three films, including The Fisher King,[1] Cold Feet, and The Big Lebowski.

References

1. "Jeff Bridges in The Fisher King". July 2005. Archived from the original on July 27, 2011.

2. The Big Lebowski / Jeff Bridges wearing Kaoru Betto Baseball Raglan T-shirt

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• BR Bullpen