Hanshin Tigers names former reliever Kyuji Fujikawa as team manager

Kyuji Fujikawa, a former relief pitcher for Hanshin Tigers, was named manager of the team on Monday.

The Tigers were eliminated from the Central League Climax Series on Sunday. Akinobu Okada, 66, who stepped down as manager, led the team to their first Japan Series victory in 38 years last season. Okada moves to the front office.

Fujikawa, 44, played for the Tigers as a relief pitcher and was twice awarded the most saves in a season in Japan.

After retiring in 2020, he joined the front office and helped strengthen the team through the acquisition of foreign players.