Abe resigns, Giants appoint Hashigami as acting manager for interleague play

2026-05-26

The Yomiuri Giants said on the 26th that manager Shinnosuke Abe had resigned effective the same day after being arrested in the act by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of assaulting his daughter.

Tears at apology news conference

Speaking to reporters the same day at the club's office in Otemachi, Tokyo, Abe said, at times in tears, 'My family's trouble has caused enormous concern and inconvenience to many baseball fans, people involved in professional baseball, and the company.'

He added, 'I have also tarnished the name of the long-established Giants manager, and I am filled with deep remorse. I am truly sorry. My daughter is also in her third year of high school and at that age, so I would be grateful if you could watch over her warmly.'

Acting manager from interleague play

This is the first time since Yasuyasu Nakajima in 1947 that the club has made a managerial change during the season. For the interleague series between the Central and Pacific leagues starting on the 26th, offensive chief coach Hideki Hashigami will serve as acting manager.

Investigation to continue at home

According to investigators, Abe is suspected of grabbing his daughter's collar and throwing her at his home in Tokyo on the 25th, among other acts of violence. He has admitted to the allegation and reportedly said, 'When I told the sisters, who were arguing, to be quiet, they talked back and I got angry.' The Shibuya Police Station of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department released Abe in the early hours of the 26th and will continue the investigation while he remains at home.

Abe joined the Giants as the No. 1 draft pick in 2001 after attending Chuo University. As one of the baseball world's premier power-hitting catchers, he helped the team win eight league championships and three Japan Series titles. In 2012, he won the batting title and RBI crown and was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player.

After retiring as a player, he served as manager of the farm team and as a first-team coach before becoming first-team manager from the 2024 season. He led the team to the league title in his first year in charge.

Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network!