In response to my July 31 column regarding the speculation the Nippon Ham Fighters may be thinking about hiring an American manager, I received the following comment from Warren Cromarite, one of five potential candidates I listed as excellent choices to manage the Fighters or any Japanese team.
"Wayne, I read your article on Sapporo and their (apparent) quest for a new manager, even the possibility of a gaikokujin manager. During my playing days with the Giants, my fondest and most enjoyable, anticipated time was playing in Sapporo. The Sapporo fans welcomed me for seven years with the Tokyo Giants each and every time we would play there.
"If the Sapporo management is seriously thinking of hiring a foreign manager, I would love the opportunity. Even though I have no managerial experience, my knowledge and reputation speak for themselves. Cro."