Discord Intensifies Behind the Scenes as Hanshin Tigers Manager Akinobu Okada Is in a Bad Mood

Last season, the Hanshin Tigers achieved their long-awaited victory as Japan’s champions for the first time in 38 years. This season, they are aiming for the first consecutive championship in the team’s history and are currently in the midst of a long road trip.

 

“In the past, it was called the ‘Road of Death,’ but now, an air-conditioned dome stadium is far more appreciated than playing in the scorching heat of Koshien in midsummer. Since we can play home games at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, the term ‘Road of Death’ may no longer be appropriate.” (said a sports newspaper desk editor in Osaka)

 

Nevertheless, the Tigers’ performance on the road this season hasn’t been strong. Since they left Koshien after the game against the Yomiuri Giants on August 1, they have recorded 7 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw (as of August 21). Starting on August 16, they faced a six-game stretch against the two lowest-ranked teams. At that point, the gap to the top was 4 games, meaning they couldn’t afford to lose a single game. However, in the three-game series against the Chunichi Dragons, they suffered 2 losses and 1 draw, marking the fourth consecutive series in which they lost the opening game. 

 

There’s an air of tension in the atmosphere.

 

“I got a response like, ‘It’s a bit hard to approach right now because manager Akinobu Okada is in such a bad mood.’ Maybe they were using that as an excuse to turn down my invitation, but haha.” (said a source close to the team’s supporters)

 

After losses, Manager Okada has been known for harsh remarks during interviews with reporters. Following the Giants game on the 14th, in which the team suffered its 16th shutout loss of the season, Okada did not participate in the usual post-game interview, instead saying, “Ask the coaches!” before leaving the scene. 

 

“Manager Okada is the type who expresses his emotions directly, for better or worse. Some people find him easy to get along with because he’s straightforward and not two-faced, but there are quite a few players and coaches who feel his demeanor can be harsh.

 

Compared to his first stint with Hanshin or his time managing Orix, it seems he’s become much more of a kind, grandfatherly figure. However, when it comes to competition, his true nature might still come out.

 

This is the final year of his two-year contract, and as he turns 67 this year, there’s been talk that he may step down, regardless of whether the team achieves a consecutive championship (‘Arenpa’—a combination of ‘Are’ and ‘renpa’). There have been numerous reports about whether the possibility of his retirement has increased or decreased, but recently it feels like that possibility is gradually increasing.” (the same source added)

 

For Manager Okada, his strict demeanor might be intended as a form of encouragement and motivation for his coaches and players. However, when the team’s performance starts to falter, it’s only natural that signs of discord begin to emerge.”