The Gunma Crane Thunders have lost their beloved athletic trainer and translator Takashi "T" Tanaka.
The third-year franchise had played just 136 games in its history before the Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, native passed away last Thursday. Internal bleeding in his brain triggered his death.
But, by all accounts, Tanaka's strong work ethic, kindness, sense of humor, ability to relate to Americans and his fierce loyalty to everyone associated with the Eastern Conference team made him an indispensable part of the Crane Thunders.
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