Tsuyoshi SHINJYO, 49 years old signed as the new head coach with NPB, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters last week. He was once an outfielder, clutch hitter and he played with the Hanshin Tigers, Nippon-Ham Fighters in the NPB and NY Mets, SF Giants in the MLB. His career stats in the NPB and MLB were a hitting average of .252, with 1,524 hits and 225 home runs in 16 seasons. His record was ordinary, but he is certainly a memorable player. He tried to be a two way player, outfielder and pitcher for the Tigers and he was the first Japanese player in the World series championship in 2002. In the Fighters, he won the Nippon Championship.
After his retirement, he moved to Bali Island, Indonesia. So, he has never been a coach in the NPB and the MLB. However, the Fighters offered him the coaching job, because they want to make some big changes for the team. I think that his positive and many unique ideas are an integral part of the new outlook of the Fighters. I hope to see some exciting games next season in Hokkaido.
