Boomer Wells, former slugger with the Hankyu Braves, Orix Braves, Orix BlueWave and Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (1983-92) used to say his goal was to hit 10 home runs by Golden Week. More often than not, he would reach double figures before the April 29 Emperor's Birthday (now Greenery Day) start of the seven-day GW holiday period.
Bombin' Boomer won the Pacific League home-run title only once, with 37 in 1984, the year he won a Triple Crown by hitting .355 and driving in 130 runs. He also slammed 42 HRs in 1986, 40 in 1987 and 40 in '89, won RBI titles with 119 in 1987, 124 in '89 and 97 in '92, and he picked up another batting crown with a .322 average in 1989.
Now it's another right-handed-hitting first baseman who's tearing up the Pa League. Seibu Lions first-year player Alex Cabrera, aided by a March 24 Opening Day, four domed stadiums in the league to reduce rainouts, and a red-hot bat, will be going into this year's Golden Week with at least 13 homers. That's how many he had after belting a three-run, come-from-behind shot off Fukuoka Daiei Hawks relief ace Rod Pedraza on Sunday at the Fukuoka Dome to give Seibu a 5-3 win.