Intoroduction
In recent years, former MLB players have been playing important roles as managers in Japanese professional baseball (NPB). Although they didn’t have outstanding careers in the Major Leagues, their experiences there seem to have influenced their managing styles in Japan.
Three Former Top Pitchers Turned Managers
Kyuji Fujikawa(藤川球児)
Firstly, Kyuji Fujikawa is a former Hanshin Tigers relief pitcher who also played for the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers in MLB. He has now become the manager of the Hanshin Tigers, who won the Central League pennant this year.
He was one of the most successful closers in NPB as a fireball pitcher. However, he couldn’t fully show his ability in MLB. He pitched only 29 innings and recorded just one win. It is hard to say he was a great player in MLB, but he was clearly a unique and outstanding pitcher in NPB.
Shingo Takatsu(高津臣吾)
Secondly, Shingo Takatsu, also known as “Mr. Zero,” played in MLB for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets, and he is now recognized as a skilled manager for the Yakult Swallows.
When he was hired, the team was very weak and had finished last in the standings. Although the team remained at the bottom the following year, he led them to win the Central League title in the subsequent seasons.
He also faced Ichiro as a batter during the NPB All-Star game, which was one of the highlights of his career and connected him to the famous NPB manager Katsuya Nomura.
He was dismissed at the end of this season; However, Takatsu’s charactor has earned respect from both players and fans.
Masato Yoshii(吉井理人)
Thirdly, Masato Yoshii, a former pitcher who played for the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, and Montreal Expos, recently served as the manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines.
He began his career as a relief pitcher and eventually became a reliable starter. Later, he joined the New York Mets as the first Japanese player to sign as a free agent.
Although he struggled in MLB, he gained valuable experience and learned a different approach to baseball culture.
After retiring, he worked as a pitching coach for several teams, and then became the manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines.
I felt that his coaching style was strongly influenced by his MLB experience, especially after reading his books.
He was also dismissed at the end of this season; however, many NPB fans still regard him as a reasonable and modern manager who brought an MLB-style perspective to Japanese baseball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these former MLB players have each shown strong leadership as managers in NPB.
Although they did not achieve great success in MLB, they gained valuable experience that helped them grow as leaders.
As a result, they have earned solid reputations as NPB managers.
In the future, more former MLB players may take on managerial roles, and I’m looking forward to seeing them bring positive influence to Japanese baseball.
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