PHOENIX, AZ -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed a 3-year agreement with the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Japanese Pacific League, as announced today by Diamondbacks’ Senior Vice President/General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr.
“This agreement will certainly give the Arizona Diamondbacks increased visibility and a greater presence in Japan,” Garagiola said. “Through the exchange of information, the Diamondbacks will be doing something to help the game grow internationally.”
As part of the relationship, representatives from the Ham Fighters will observe many aspects of the Diamondbacks’ operation, including a potential visit later this summer from a Ham Fighters coach to observe Arizona’s minor league system. Next year, Nippon coaches and players will have the opportunity to visit Arizona’s minor league spring training facilities in Tucson, Ariz.
The exchange of information between the organizations may also include stadium operations, with special emphasis relating to moving into a new stadium. Nippon will move out of the Tokyo Dome in two years and into the Sapporo Dome, a facility built in 2001 for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
The agreement between the Diamondbacks and Ham Fighters is similar to those between other Major League clubs and Japanese teams. One member of the Diamondbacks’ minor league system is very familiar with the Nippon club. Rick Schu, the hitting coach for the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders played for the Ham Fighters in 1993-94.
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