Success of Japanese players in MLB a continuing source of pride for the nation

Last in a three-part series

TOKYO — Only a handful of Americans have ever managed a Japanese team. The first, Joe Lutz, a coach with the Cleveland Indians, was recruited to manage the perennial last-place Hiroshima Carp in 1975. He brought Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn with him to be his pitching coach. Lutz lasted 15 games after an umpiring dispute which caused a team executive to come down on the field and order Lutz to cease the dispute. Lutz felt humiliated and resigned after the game. In his absence Coach Takeshi Koba took over as manager and led the team to its first Central League championship.

“Japan wasn’t ready for an American manager,” said Lutz, “Arguing with an umpire is part of the game in America. In Japan it was considered bad manners and embarrassing, especially when a foreigner was involved. It became clear I didn’t belong there.”