Chunichi’s Kazuki Inoue Wants to Stay On Despite Last-Place Finish—Team Enjoys a Revenue Windfall

Home run wing is a hit

The Chunichi Dragons have languished in the B class (sixth place or lower) for five consecutive seasons through last year. Second-year manager Kazuki Inoue (55) has still not recovered from the team’s five-game losing streak to open this season.

“After reporting his assessment of the first half of the season to team owner Uichiro Oshima (62), Manager Inoue apologized to the front office and fans, saying, ‘I’m especially sorry that we were unable to deliver victories during the first half of the season.’ Before the season began, the Dragons were predicted to finish in the A class (top three) by some commentators, but once the season started, they immediately suffered five straight losses. Voices questioning Manager Inoue’s ability to manage the team began to emerge.” (Former team official)

Meanwhile, despite being pushed into such a difficult situation that there were even rumors of him being fired midway through the season, Manager Inoue is reportedly eager to continue in the role next season.

“There are two reasons. First, it is highly likely that Manager Inoue signed a three-year contract, and he believes, ‘I still have time left on my contract, so the team probably won’t fire me.’

The other reason is that the team’s revenue is higher than it was last year. In fact, although the team’s performance has been poor, the Home Run Wing added to Vantelin Dome Nagoya has been a big hit. When the team’s performance is poor, the club can avoid having to raise players’ salaries. More of the increased revenue is likely to remain with the club, making it a positive from a business perspective. Of course, this increase in revenue is due to the novelty of the Home Run Wing, and if the team remains weak, attendance will eventually decline.

Manager Inoue sees this success on the business side as a ‘tailwind’ for himself, and he has recently become a little more upbeat. His confidence as a manager has begun to show in his demeanor. The players have also noticed the change, saying, ‘The manager seems to be in a good mood lately.’” (Team official)

Perhaps sensing this trend, a source in the Nagoya television industry provided this surprising piece of information:

“A prominent former player who came up as a position player has been telling people, ‘Even if the team is weak, the club is reluctant to change managers. However, the coaching staff is likely to undergo a major overhaul.’ Apparently, he has been quietly trying to make contact with Manager Inoue and the front office in order to pitch himself for a coaching position next season.”

The fans are hoping the team can be rebuilt as soon as possible.