Overview
- Ishii was formally introduced on November 3 in Hiroshima, confirming his move to lead the Carp’s top-team pitching staff.
- He will oversee the first team from next season, shifting roles after serving as the Tokyo Yakult Swallows’ pitching coach this year.
- Stressing communication, he said he wants to understand players together and create something positive through ongoing dialogue.
- He voiced ambition to contend for a championship and noted his personal connection to Hiroshima, citing his debut, first win, and retirement game against the Carp.
- A former fastball reliever with Yakult, Ishii won bronze with Japan at the 2004 Athens Olympics and began his coaching career in 2012.