Masatoshi Okada, who will take over as third-team fielder coach from next season, expressed his enthusiasm for his first year, saying, "I think the most important thing is for the players to grow, so I'll focus on that and do my best."
During his playing days, Okada was known for his ability to lead close to pitcher and for his high success rate in sacrifice bunt bunts. Next season, he will mainly play in the third team, which is home to many young high school graduates and development players. He said, "I think that things like bunting are extremely important for third team players, so I want to develop players who can be trusted with small skills, whether they go to the second or first team." As a fielder coach for the third team, he will mainly focus on developing catcher, but will also provide advice on defense and batting.
Okada joined Seibu as the sixth pick in the 2013 draft after stints at Osaka Toin High School and Osaka Gas. He retired from active play at the end of 2014, and this season he has been supporting the team as the "person in charge of development and talent."
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・ Lotte's new manager Saburo predicts intense training like the "Hellish Ito Camp": "I don't care if people dislike me"... His mentor is a former Giants warrior
・ [Chunichi] Ryusei Sato was released from the roster four months after the transfer. "I wasn't performing as well as I expected." Kodai Umezu was re-signed as a development player.
・ [Hiroshima] Announcement of next season's lineup All coaches will remain in their positions with no changes Newly established head of second team will be coach Toshiki Fukuchi
・ [Orix] Yoshihisa Hirano makes his coaching debut immediately after joining the first team!? "I was told to go," he said, taking to mound in the Red vs. White game. The legend will take on a dual role from next season.
