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Rakuten Eagles replace manager amid poor season, president takes responsibility

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Rakuten Eagles baseball team has replaced manager Hajime Toriyatsuka with acting manager Tatsuya Shiozawa following a poor season.
  • Team president Masayuki Morii took responsibility for the decision, emphasizing the need for a positive shift in the team's performance.
  • Morii stated that the change was a mutual agreement and not based on specific performance metrics, aiming to revitalize the team for the remainder of the 85-game season.

The Rakuten Eagles have made a swift managerial change, announcing that manager Hajime Toriyatsuka will take a leave of absence. Tatsuya Shiozawa, the 43-year-old chief coach, will step in as acting manager. This decision comes amid a disappointing season for the Japanese professional baseball team.

It is not the manager's sole responsibility. It is my responsibility that I could not let him lead the team for the entire season.

— Masayuki MoriiRakuten Eagles team president Masayuki Morii taking responsibility for the managerial change.

Team president Masayuki Morii addressed the media, taking personal responsibility for the mid-season switch. "It is not the manager's sole responsibility. It is my responsibility that I could not let him lead the team for the entire season," Morii stated. He explained that the change was a mutual agreement reached after extensive discussions, aimed at steering the team in a more positive direction.

We discussed with Manager Toriyatsuka, and in the process, we decided to let him rest. Manager Toriyatsuka has made great contributions to the team, leaving many unforgettable memories, and the value he created for the club is immeasurable.

— Masayuki MoriiMorii explaining the decision to allow the manager to take a leave of absence.

Morii stressed that the decision was not triggered by specific win-loss records or performance targets. He acknowledged the team's current struggles but highlighted Toriyatsuka's significant contributions and memorable moments during his tenure. With 85 games remaining in the season, Morii expressed the team's determination not to give up and to fight with renewed energy, striving to deliver more proactive and positive gameplay for the fans.

There are still 85 games left in the season, and we will not give up. We hope to continue fighting with a new look and show fans more proactive and positive game content.

— Masayuki MoriiMorii expressing the team's determination for the remainder of the season.

Regarding the future, Morii indicated that discussions about long-term plans are premature. For now, the focus is on Shiozawa fully dedicating himself to his interim role. The club hopes this change will inject new life into the team as they aim to improve their standing.

This was not because of setting a win rate or a specific number. Although the team's situation is not ideal, Manager Toriyatsuka continued to lead the team. We talked until late last night, and the conclusion was a mutually agreed-upon result.

— Masayuki MoriiMorii clarifying that the timing of the managerial change was not based on specific performance metrics.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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