Fukuoka – Kimiyasu Kudo, the SoftBank Hawks’ five-time Japan Collection-winning supervisor, has stepped down, the Pacific League membership stated Tuesday, after the crew ended the season in fourth and missed the playoffs for the primary time in his seven-year tenure.
The 58-year-old guided the Hawks to the PL pennant in 2015, 2017 and 2020, whereas the crew additionally reached the Japan Collection by way of the playoffs in 2018 and 2019 having completed these common seasons second. The Hawks received all 5 Japan Collection they performed in beneath Kudo.
Extended damage absences by ace Kodai Senga, nearer Yuito Mori and slugging infielder Yurisbel Gracial noticed the Hawks stutter this season. The membership this yr suffered a string of eight consecutive shedding choices, its longest skid beneath Kudo.
A supply stated the membership nonetheless rated his document and skill extremely and requested him to stay on the helm, however the former Seibu Lions, Hawks, Yomiuri Giants and Yokohama BayStars lefty firmly turned it down.
Kudo will maintain a press convention on Wednesday, whereas second-team supervisor Hiroshi Fujimoto is anticipated to be promoted to handle the primary crew.
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KEYWORDS
Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, Kimiyasu Kudo
