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Giant’s Hara asked to manage Japan

Written by Writer on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Giants’ Hara asked to manage Japan

Jim Allen Daily Yomiuri Sportswriter

Tatsunori Hara

Japan’s search for its next national baseball manager may be over.

On Monday, Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner Ryozo Kato decided to ask Yomiuri Giants manager Tatsunori Hara to lead Japan in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, which begins March 5 at Tokyo Dome. Kato made the announcement after meeting with his advisory committee for the WBC.

“We decided to go with someone who is currently managing,” Kato said. “We wanted an experienced manager with a track record and Hara fits that description. He has managed three league champions and has won the Japan Series [in 2002].”

On Saturday, Hara’s Giants clinched a spot in the Japan Series against the Pacific League’s Saitama Seibu Lions. He told reporters he had yet to receive a formal offer.

“I’m now…preparing for the Japan Series,” Hara said. “If an offer comes, I’ll follow the instructions of the team owner.
(Oct. 28, 2008)

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News Topics : Advisory Committee, Baseball Commissioner, Baseball Manager, Daily Yomiuri, Giant, Hara, Japan Search, Japan Series, Kato, League Champions, Nippon, Professional Baseball, Saitama, Seibu Lions, Sportswriter, Team Owner, Tokyo Dome, Wbc, World Baseball Classic, Yomiuri Giants