Chunichi Dragons head coach Hisashi Yamada was officially named new manager of the Central League club for next season on Monday, taking over from Senichi Hoshino who announced his resignation last week.
Central League WonLostTiedPct.GB Yakult 74 53 5 .583 - Yomiuri 75 63 2 .543 4.5 Hiroshima 63 62 7 .504 10.0 Yokohama 63 64 4 .496 11.0 Chunichi 60 71 4 .458 16.0 Hanshin 55 77 2 .417 21.5 Pacific League WonLostTiedPct.GB *Kintetsu 77 59 2 .566 - Daiei 75 63 1 .543 3.0 Seibu 73 67 0 .521 6.0 Orix 69 64 4 .519 6.5 Lotte 63 74 2 .460 14.5 Nippon Ham 53 83 3 .390 24.0(*clinched pennant)
Yamada, 53, a former star pitcher with the Hankyu Braves, earlier in the day agreed with club officials on a three-year deal worth 100 million yen per year in salary and signing bonuses.
"I had been hoping for a Japan Series title under Mr. Hoshino and that made me hesitate when he asked me to take his place for the first time in early September," Yamada said.