Lotte's new manager, Saburo, appeared at his inauguration press conference at Zozo on the 8th. Appearing on stage in a navy blue striped suit, the new manager stated his aspirations, saying, "I want to build a team where young players can soar through rigorous training."
He said he received a request from the team to take up the position on the night of the 4th, and that he decided to take on the role, saying, "I was surprised. It will be difficult, but most of the players here are kids I've seen at this farm team, so I was hoping that somehow I could win the championship with these kids."
He was promoted from second-team manager to first-team head coach midway through this season, so he has a firm grasp of the team's situation. "We have battery issues, offensive issues, and defense, and I think we're inferior to the other five teams in all aspects, so I want to start over from scratch," he said, emphasizing the toughness of the situation. This season, young players such as Teraji and rookie Nishikawa have emerged, but he called for competition, saying, "I think there will be competition, from veterans to mid-career players and young players. I want to use the player who has produced the best results."
The press conference was hosted by former team employee Emi Yaho, who is well known for her high-pitched announcement of "Saburo." She introduced him as "Saburo, the new manager Chiba Lotte Marines." The new manager laughed and said, "This brings back memories. Has my skill deteriorated a bit?"
◆ Saburo (Omura Saburo) Born June 1, 1976 in Okayama Prefecture. 49 years old. Joined Lotte as the first pick in the 1994 draft from PL Gakuen. His registered name was Saburo when he joined the team. He contributed to two Japan Series championships and won the Golden Glove Award for outfielder in 2005 and 2007. He transferred to The Giants in June 2011, but declared free agency in 2012 and returned to Lotte. After retiring in 2016, he served as farm director for Rakuten, before becoming manager of Lotte's second team in 2013. His career stats include a batting average of .265, 127 Home Run, and 655 RBI in 1,782 games. He is 181 cm tall and weighs 90 kg. He bats and throws right-handed.
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・ [Lotte] Toshiaki Imae said to Saburo, the new manager and seventh grade senior at the prestigious school, "I hope you will do your best as PL Gakuen."
