It was revealed on the 5th that Nippon-Ham will invite Tetsuya Matsumoto, who retired as The Giants' outfield defense base running coach at the end of this season, to serve as a first-team fielder coach.
Matsumoto joined The Giants from Senshu University as a third-round draft pick in 2006. In 2009, he played in 129 games, batting .293 with 16 stolen base and winning the Rookie of the Year award. He was known for his impressive "balance" batting style, a wide defense range that made the most of his speed, and a diving catch full of fighting spirit that earned him the Golden Glove Award.
Nippon-Ham will entrust him with overall coaching of fielder, and he is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the Shinjo administration, now in its fifth year, as they aim to achieve their long-cherished dream of winning the league.
Related News
・ [Hiroshima] Batting coaches Hisaki Fukuchi and Ryota Arai are being transferred to the first team as part of a major staff shuffle announced for next season.
・ [Nippon-Ham] First-round draft pick Takuya Tokitani's performance will help the team move their second-team home base to their hometown of Ebetsu City
・ 63 people participated in the first round of tryouts Kufu HAYATE...including Hanshin Tigers Tigers' Teruaki Sato's younger brother, outfielder Taiki
・ Javelin gold medalist Shinka Kitaguchi to become Nippon-Ham temporary coach?! Plans to invite her to the team are under consideration... Previously, hammer thrower Koji Murofushi has also been appointed as a coach.
・ [Nippon-Ham] The "Shinjo Special" is alive and well this year too. "He makes it all happen in one go" with double steals from first and third base.
