Motonori Watanabe, legendary Yokohama High School baseball manager, dies at 81

Motonori Watanabe, the former manager of the prestigious Yokohama High School baseball team, has passed away at the age of 81. He died on August 17.

Watanabe was a legendary figure in Japanese high school baseball, leading Yokohama High School to five Koshien championships (three in spring and two in summer). During his tenure, which began in 1968, he achieved a total of 51 wins at Koshien, ranking him fifth all-time. His coaching career was marked by significant milestones, including the 1998 double championship and a four-crown achievement including the Meiji Jingu Tournament and the National Sports Festival.

He mentored numerous professional players, most notably Daisuke Matsuzaka, as well as Hideaki Wakui and Yoshihiro Tsutsugo. Even after retiring from his official managerial role in 2015, Watanabe remained a dedicated supporter of the team, frequently visiting the grounds to encourage players.

Notably, his passing occurred on the same day as the anniversary of the death of one of his former players, Shinya Tanba, a highly promising pitcher who died of acute heart failure in 1995.