Internet mall operator Rakuten Inc., which has applied to enter professional baseball next season, announced Wednesday the appointment of baseball commentator Yasushi Tao as manager of its team on a three-year contract.
"This was an attractive offer. I want to create an environment that helps this team's players to live up to their potential," Tao said in a press conference that Rakuten President Hiroshi Mikitani also attended.
"I received the offer from Mr. Marty Kuehnert (Rakuten's general manager) on Friday. I needed the courage to accept it under the circumstances," Tao said, referring to the fact that Rakuten is undergoing screening by baseball officials along with Internet service provider Livedoor Inc.
"It's tough to build a strong team from scratch but I'll try to go on top from the first year. I believe the team can produce a decent result if it gives everything out on the field," said Tao, who has no experience managing a baseball team.
Sources familiar with the appointment of Tao said Rakuten tapped the 50-year-old after failing to agree on terms with former Hanshin Tigers star player Masayuki Kakefu.
Tao joined the Chunichi Dragons in 1976 as a first-round draft pick and was named Central League Rookie of the Year. He hit over .300 for four consecutive years starting in 1981.
He moved to the Seibu Lions in 1985 and then to Hanshin in 1987 before ending his playing career after the 1991 season.
Earlier this month, Rakuten hired sports commentator Kuehnert as general manager of its team.