Two-page Letter from Kaoru Betto to Dodger President Walter O’Malley

The Dodgers invited Kaoru Betto to Dodgertown, Vero Beach, Florida to observe training techniques and stay for the 1960 regular season. Betto played as an outfielder for the Osaka Tigers (1948-1949) and Mainichi Orions (1950-1957). He began his managerial career with the Daimai Orions in 1952, continuing from 1954-1959. At that point he took time to learn more from the Dodger organization in the U.S. in 1960. Upon his return to Japan, he would manage Kintetsu (1962-1964), Taiyo (1968-1972 and 1977-1979) and Hiroshima (1973).

Betto corresponded with Dodger President Walter O’Malley to give him updates from Japan. In this March 18, 1961 letter, Betto writes, “To the fullest extent of my capacity, I am toiling daily to Americanize the system in the Orions, applying and practicing all what I have studied from you and your team just last year.” He was also watching with interest the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants 1961 spring visit to Dodgertown. In 1988, the 1950 Japan Series MVP was inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame.