The Softbank Hawks officially announced that Koji Akiyama will take over for Sadaharu Oh as manager of the next season. Sadaharu Oh in turn has been named Top Executive Advisor and will also become the Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2009.
Akiyama began his baseball career in 1981 with the Lions as an undrafted player. He led the league in home runs in 1987 and had 10 Japan Series appearances. In 1994 he joined the Daiei Hawks. Akiyama became manager of the Ni-gun Hawks in 2005 and was later promoted to Co-ordinating Coach in 2007.
Oh leaves the manager's seat after 14 years. The last place finish this season was the first in 12 years.
10-08-2008 07:15 AM 
