Question from readers:
Hankyu Tigers’ Hirata Katsuo has been appointed as the 2nd team manager for the fourth time this year, but is it not possible to hand over the reins to someone else? I think it’s necessary for coaches to be replaced with younger individuals.
The Dilemma of Youth in the Hankyu Tigers
Recently, I came across the news that
Hankyu Tigers’ Hirata Katsuo will be serving as the 2nd team manager for the fourth time, and it left me with mixed feelings. His experience and knowledge are impressive, but the word “youth” keeps crossing my mind. Looking back, I’ve been a Hankyu fan since childhood, and I’ve watched Hirata-san’s achievements over the years. I still vividly remember the games he played as an athlete. As someone who loves comedy, I also appreciated his sense of humor, which brought laughter during matches on many occasions. Seeing him now guiding players as a manager evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Age Isn’t Everything
As mentioned in the opinions of users, while I believe “age doesn’t matter in sports,” being 65 years old may indeed present some physical challenges. I’ve noticed that playing with my kids has become more tiring than it used to be. Especially when they want to play with all their energy, I find myself needing to match that level of enthusiasm, sometimes wishing for a bit more stamina. However, having an experienced manager like Hirata-san offers significant learning opportunities for younger players. Witnessing the growth of players under his guidance is one of the aspects I look forward to. Of course, I believe younger coaches are necessary, but having experienced individuals helps maintain balance within the team.
What Do You Think?
With this dilemma in mind, I remain hopeful about the future of the Hankyu Tigers. What are your thoughts on the ages of coaches and players in sports teams? If you have any memorable stories about players or coaches, I’d love to hear them! I look forward to discussing this with you.
