Original Article in Daily Sports HERE / 元の記事はこちら
Click here for a transcript of H-TEN’s interview with Arias
Whenever a new manager takes over the reins of the Hanshin Tigers chariot, the media seems to find every last one of his ex-teammates to ask their thoughts on how they think he will fare. Who would have thought that asking George Arias this question would result in a desire to join the coaching staff?
As many of you know, Arias was a crucial part of the Tigers’ success in 2003 as it won its first pennant in 18 years. Arias hit sixth, which manager Senichi Hoshino saw as fitting for his personality, and belted out 38 home runs as Hanshin took the league by storm with a powerful batting order that rivaled the 1985 group that brought the team its lone Nippon Ichi.
After two seasons with the Orix BlueWave, three with Hanshin, and a half season with the Yomiuri Giants, Arias returned quietly to his hometown of Tucson, Arizona, where he operates a baseball school called Centerfield Baseball and Softball Academy. In operation now for over a decade, Arias says he enjoys the challenge of getting kids up to the next level, to reach their full potential, and to believe in the process, rather than being discouraged by rough stretches of play. Some of the kids advance to play in universities, and some, including his eldest son, have been drafted by MLB teams.
And not only has his son expressed an interest in playing in Japan, but the man himself would also love to return to the team with which he spent his prime.
“I was truly blessed playing there, and I would definitely like to go back,” he says, fondly remembering his playing days in Kansai. “My heart belongs with the Hanshin Tigers. I always wanted to go back because I love Japan: the people, the culture, the game, the fans.”
While playing with the Tigers, he was often the lone import hitter in the dugout, while three foreigners were in the bullpen. He credits coach Tom O’Malley with helping him through some of those lonely times and struggles, and wonders why “there are not more foreign coaches over there to help the gaijin players out.”
Speaking of his ex-teammate, new Tigers manager Akihiro Yano, he had this to say: “He understands the game from a pitching standpoint, which is imperative for coaches. He’s really smart, but what I really loved about him was that he is a tremendous person.”
In fact, Arias even expressed his admiration for Yano, among other ex-Tiger teammates, for his outstanding work ethic and professionalism. It is thanks to what he learned while with the Tigers that he is able to successfully run his academy.
When the time is right, it sure would be nice for him to bring that know-how back to the Hanshin Tigers bench. What do you say, Mr. Yano? Got extra space for an ex-teammate who knows what it takes to win?