BC Saitama Musashi president Sumi Kota (角晃多) takes charge as interim manager: “I have a role to fulfill,” following Kiyota manager’s resignation in an unusual move

The independent-league BC Saitama Musashi Heat Bears announced on 31 August that Manager Kiyota Ikuhiro (清田育宏) had resigned. The club announced on the same date that representative director and president Sumi Kota (角晃多), 35, would serve as interim manager through the end of this season. The change in managerial authority comes at a critical point late in the season. Sumi (角) previously managed the club and decided to return to the field.

Sumi (角) said that creating an environment in which the players can focus on baseball was his top priority, and expressed his determination to convey his passion to everyone involved with the club. Although he serves as representative director and president, he chose to return to the field and explained that he “has a role to fulfill for the team.”

Regarding the circumstances of the resignation, the club said that Manager Kiyota Ikuhiro (清田育宏) had resigned at his own request. The club emphasized that the resignation was not disciplinary action based on a determination that some media reports were factual, and reiterated its determination to fight through the rest of the season alongside the players and staff. Manager Kiyota Ikuhiro (清田育宏) played for Lotte during his playing career, later managed the Saitama Musashi Heat Bears, and then offered his resignation.