Sports · Baseball · 6 hrs ago
Tsuyoshi Nishioka joins Nippon-Ham Fighters as fielding coach
The Nippon-Ham Fighters have appointed Tsuyoshi Nishioka as a coach for their position players.
The 42-year-old joins the Japanese baseball team after serving as Lotte’s chief hitting and baserunning coach this season.
Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo had invited him to join the Fighters a year ago, while Nishioka was considering an offer from Lotte.
Nishioka says he will support players in hitting, fielding, baserunning and their mental approach to the game.
The Fighters made 88 errors last season, the most in either league, and Nishioka wants players to stay confident and keep playing aggressively.
He joked to the team that 89 errors next season would be fine, aiming to ease pressure rather than encourage mistakes.
Nishioka has joined the team’s autumn training camp and says he will work toward helping the Fighters compete for the Pacific League title.
Nippon-Ham Fighters appointed Tsuyoshi Nishioka as their fielding coach on October 31.
The 42-year-old will wear number 78 and take charge of hitting, defense, base-running and players’ mental approach.
Nishioka joined the team’s autumn training camp at Es Con Field Hokkaido and worked with players on infield defense.
He said the team’s hitting was close to the best in the Pacific League and that he wanted to support the players throughout the year.
Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo said he hoped Nishioka would help Arizono, Nomura and Mannami hit about 35 home runs.
- Who
- Tsuyoshi Nishioka, a 42-year-old coach formerly with the Chiba Lotte Marines.
- What
- He was appointed Nippon-Ham Fighters’ fielding coach, with responsibility for hitting, defense, base-running and mental support.
- When
- October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Es Con Field Hokkaido, where the team was holding autumn training camp.
- Why
- The sources do not state a specific reason for the appointment. Nishioka said he aimed to contribute to the team and help it compete for the Pacific League title.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nishioka said Lotte approached him about a coaching role, and he contacted Shinjo the following day.
Shinjo said he spoke with Nishioka before a game against Lotte and asked him to join Nippon-Ham.
Nippon-Ham announced Nishioka’s appointment and held a news conference at Es Con Field Hokkaido.
Nishioka joined the team’s autumn camp and instructed players during infield defense practice.
- Appointment
- Nippon-Ham Fighters fielding coach
- Coach
- Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 42
- Shirt number
- 78
- Previous team
- Chiba Lotte Marines
- Responsibilities
- Hitting, defense, base-running and mental support
- Team errors
- 88 errors last season
3 sources
What people are saying
Hitting is getting close to being the best in the league. It is our job to support the players. I want to give it my all for the year.
I want to aim for the Pacific League championship and work hard to contribute to the team.
I’d be happy if you could get Arizono, Nomura and Mannami to hit about 35 home runs.
I told him to come to my team.