Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata ready for Global Baseball Games
The 48-year-old formed NPB star will manage Samurai Japan through the WBSC Premier12 2024. During the season, he will also serve as U-15 National Team head coach.
World No. 1 Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata spoke about the forthcoming season in an interview with the Samurai Japan YouTube Channel.
The former Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) All-Star and Gold Glove second baseman made his debut as Samurai Japan manager at the Asia Professional Baseball Championship.
"For about three years, I worked at the youth level. People are different, and you have to approach them the right way. Kids would do anything you ask them to do. I learned a lot, and there are something that I can apply for the adult National Team players."
Ibata added: "I think there are a lot of talented players. I saw a lot of kids who showed a lot of promise as future professional players. The baseball population is decreasing, but the level is surely rising. Samurai Japan must be a goal for kids and baseball players. The National Team needs to leave good results."
"Players I first selected for the U-12 National Team will turn 15 in 2024, so it would be great if we could move together to the U-15 National Team. When I join the U-15 National Team, I intend to share with the players what I learned with the adult National Team. I view Samurai Japan as one team, ranging from the U-12 age bracket to the adult players. I invite all generations to play baseball to support Japan."