Nippon-Ham, who finished fifth for three consecutive years, has announced that Hideki Kuriyama, who has been in command for ten years, has retired and Tsuyoshi Shinjo will be appointed as a new coach. Since taking office, the curtain of “Shinjo Theater” has already begun, such as spreading the topic every day, but how will the team be changed and strengthened? We asked Tsutomu Iwamoto, who fought with Director Shinjo as a teammate at Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Director Tsuyoshi Shinjo of Nippon-Ham entering the stadium for a tour of the autumn camp
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──What was your first thought when you heard the news that Tsuyoshi Shinjo was appointed as the new director of Nippon-Ham?
“Nippon-Ham hit a big gambling (laughs). But I think this was a gambling that I had to hit. With the slump of 5th place for 3 consecutive years, it is possible to change the team dramatically. I felt that I needed someone like Shinjo who would destroy the team in a good way, so I personally think I’ve got the best card. “
──How did you see the battle of Nippon-Ham in the last few years?
“Speaking well, Yasushi, to put it bluntly, the regular team was in a state of being immersed in lukewarm water. The pitchers were very active, with rookie Hiromi Itoh winning double digits. There was no big change in the fielders. That is a big issue for Nippon-Ham, and I would like Shinjo to do something about it. Anyway, I think Shinjo will interact with the players without prejudice, and the team will be in a flat state. You’ll see. It will create a sense of crisis for the players who have been immovable regulars, and it should also tighten their minds. It’s a big step for everyone, regardless of veteran or young, to have a regular fight. I think it is one of the “Shinjo effects”. “
──You can expect a change of generations.
“Looking at Orix, who won the Pacific League this year, the balance between veterans, center-fielders, and young players was very good. A strong team is not good for veterans and center-fielders alone, and even young players cannot survive the season. Director Shinjo knows that, and I think we will build a team with that in mind. “
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