Akinobu Okada

2.1. Childhood and Family Background

Akinobu Okada was born in Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan. His father, who managed a small factory named "Osaka Shikojo" in Tamatsukuri, Chuo Ward, was a prominent supporter of the Hanshin Tigers and maintained close friendships with Tigers legends such as Minoru Murayama and Katsumi Fujimoto. This familial connection meant Okada grew up deeply immersed in the world of the Tigers. From a young age, he admired Hanshin's third baseman, Hideaki Miyake, and even had the opportunity to play catch with him. This admiration later led Okada to request jersey number 16, the same number Miyake once wore, upon joining the Tigers.

In 1962, as a kindergarten student, Okada participated in the Hanshin Tigers' championship parade, riding in a car with the players and waving to the crowds. At the age of five, he began playing baseball seriously, joining the "Little Hawks," a youth baseball team operated by the Nankai Hawks, as Hanshin did not have its own youth team at the time. His father also formed a local amateur baseball team at his factory, where Okada pitched, wearing Murayama's number 11. Despite his family's strong Hanshin ties, Okada often watched Tigers games from the third base side of Hanshin Koshien Stadium, not the first base side favored by Hanshin fans. His reason was to get a closer look at Yomiuri Giants star Shigeo Nagashima and to heckle the opposing team.

2.2. High School Career

In 1972, while in his third year at Meisei Junior High School, Okada led his team to victory in the Osaka Prefecture junior high baseball tournament. The following year, in March 1973, he had the honor of playing catch with Minoru Murayama before Murayama's retirement game. In April 1973, Okada enrolled in Hokuyo High School. During his first year, he played as a left fielder, batting seventh or second, and participated in the 55th National High School Baseball Championship. In this tournament, his teammate Fumio Arita achieved a no-hitter in the third round. Hokuyo advanced to the quarterfinals but lost to Imabari Nishi High School from Ehime Prefecture by a score of 2-6. Okada recorded 3 hits in 9 at-bats (a .333 batting average) in three games during this championship. In the autumn Kinki Tournament that same year, he led his new team as the ace pitcher to the semifinals, losing 0-1 to Wakayama Prefectural Koyo High, but securing a spot in the Spring Invitational Tournament.

In his third year, 1975, Okada served as both the ace pitcher and cleanup hitter. His team reached the final of the Osaka Prefectural Tournament but was defeated 0-2 by Kokoku High School, preventing them from advancing to Koshien. Around this time, he reportedly received an offer for a draft nomination from the Yomiuri Giants.

2.3. University Career

Okada chose not to immediately turn professional after high school. Instead, he passed the general entrance examination for Waseda University and then tried out for the Waseda University Baseball Club. He displayed extraordinary batting power during the tryout, reportedly hitting 14 hits in 15 at-bats, with seven of ten swings clearing the fence in one account. His impressive performance secured his immediate acceptance. Among his teammates at Waseda were future professional players such as Masahiro Matsumoto, Toshiyuki Yoshizawa, Shigeru Yagi, Kiyoshi Sato, Hideya Namba, Kazuhiro Yamakura, and Eiji Kanemori.

Okada became a regular player in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League from the 1976 autumn league, playing as a left fielder and batting seventh. He gained significant attention after hitting 3 hits against Hosei University's ace, Suguru Egawa, a pitcher who would later become a legendary figure in Japanese baseball. From his second year, Okada moved to third base, the position he admired Hideaki Miyake for, and batted fifth. In the 1978 autumn league, he achieved the Triple Crown and led Waseda to its first league championship in four years. In 1979, as team captain, he contributed to a consecutive league title. That same year, Waseda reached the final of the All-Japan University Baseball Championship but lost to Chuo University, which featured Hidenori Kosaka and Yutaka Takagi, finishing as runner-up. Okada also participated in the 7th and 8th Japan-USA Collegiate Baseball Championship Series, playing in all games as the cleanup hitter for the All-Japan team. In these series, he played shortstop because Tatsunori Hara (from Tokai University) occupied third base. His university classmates included pitcher Yoshimoto Mukaida, catcher Yoshihiro Ariga, and outfielder Shoichi Shimanuki.

Okada's career statistics in the Tokyo Big6 League were 117 hits in 309 at-bats over 88 games, with a .379 batting average, 20 home runs, and 81 RBIs. His batting average and RBIs remain league records as of 2023. He was also selected for the Best Nine five consecutive times starting from the 1977 autumn league. In the 1978 spring league, he achieved the second cycle in league history during a game against University of Tokyo. Despite his outstanding collegiate career, Okada's graduation thesis was titled "My Batting Theory." However, he did not officially graduate due to insufficient credits. His name was not listed in the 1985 alumni directory published by the Waseda University Alumni Association.

3.1. Professional Debut

Okada's exceptional performance in university baseball made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 1979 NPB draft. On October 29, during a press conference to announce his intention to turn professional, he stated his preference for a team in the Kansai region, ideally the Hanshin Tigers, but also mentioned the Hankyu Braves or other local teams. He also noted that he would consider other teams if they were strong contenders for a championship, specifically mentioning the Yomiuri Giants and Saitama Seibu Lions. However, in later interviews, Okada clarified that as an only child, his mother wanted him to stay in Kansai, so any team in the region, including Hankyu, Kintetsu, or Nankai, would have been acceptable.

The 1979 draft saw a then-record six teams (Seibu, Yakult, Nankai, Hanshin, Hankyu, and Kintetsu) select Okada as their first-round pick. Hanshin ultimately won the lottery for his negotiating rights, leading to his highly anticipated entry into the team. He signed a contract with a 60.00 M JPY signing bonus and an annual salary of 4.80 M JPY.

In his rookie season in 1980, Hanshin manager Don Blasingame initially opted for a cautious approach, having Okada practice at first base and outfield, believing a rookie should be eased into play. Okada, however, felt a rebellious spirit, recalling Blasingame's translator stating that even talented rookies in MLB are not immediately put into games. The Tigers' infield was already crowded with established players like Masayuki Kakefu at third, Akinobu Mayumi at short, and Katsuhiro Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Sakakibara, and newly acquired Dave Hilton at second. Hilton's arrival, especially after Okada had been told about a potential move to second base, left Okada feeling conflicted. He was soon instructed to practice in the outfield.

Despite hitting two home runs in preseason games, Okada was not in the opening day infield lineup, which featured Hilton at first, Hirokazu Kato at second, Kakefu at third, and Mayumi at short. Hilton struggled offensively from the start of the season, and even when Kakefu was injured in mid-April, Okada was not immediately given the starting third base role (though some reports suggest Okada himself was injured at the time). This led to growing fan discontent, with chants of "Okada! Okada!" erupting and some fans even harassing Hilton and Blasingame. On April 22, Hanshin team president Shojiro Ozu intervened, persuading Blasingame to start Okada at third base. Hilton was released on May 10 due to his poor performance (.197 batting average with no home runs in 18 games). The team then acquired outfielder Bruce Bochte, but Blasingame's relationship with the front office deteriorated, leading to his unclear dismissal on May 15, with coach Futoshi Nakanishi taking over as manager.

After Kakefu returned on May 17, Okada was moved to second base, a position he would primarily play. He finished the season with a .290 batting average and 18 home runs, earning the Central League Rookie of the Year Award. Despite the success, Okada later expressed his dislike for the "Okada chants" that pressured his manager, as he preferred to earn his opportunities. He also later came to understand Blasingame's cautious approach, realizing the manager had likely been concerned about putting too much pressure on a highly anticipated rookie. In the 1980 All-Star Game, Okada, at 22 years and 7 months, hit a pinch-hit home run, a record for the youngest pinch-hit home run in an All-Star Game that stood until Tomoya Mori hit one in 2015 at 19 years and 11 months. During his rookie year, Okada played various infield positions, including third base, shortstop, second base, and first base, and gradually moved up the batting order from 7th/8th to 5th by the end of the season.

3.2. Hanshin Tigers (Player)

Okada's career with the Hanshin Tigers spanned from 1980 to 1993, during which he became a cornerstone of the team.

In 1981, he played in all 130 games for the first time, hitting 20 home runs and solidifying his position at second base. He became only the third Hanshin player, after Koichi Tabuchi and Teruaki Sato, to record double-digit home runs in his first two professional seasons. In 1982, under new manager Motoo Ando, Okada achieved his first .300 batting average (.300, 9th in the league) and continued his double-digit home run streak, becoming only the third Hanshin player (again, after Tabuchi and Sato) to hit double-digit home runs in his first three seasons.

The 1983 season started strong for Okada, with 18 home runs in 79 games, putting him in contention for the home run title. However, on July 10, he suffered a right thigh biceps rupture in a game against Hiroshima Toyo Carp, ending his season prematurely. This injury would continue to affect him throughout his career. His absence at second base led to Mayumi moving from shortstop to second, and Katsuo Hirata taking over at shortstop.

Okada returned to play in 1984, joining spring training late and making his first start on May 19 against Hiroshima. Initially, he played primarily at second base, occasionally at first base when Randy Bass was absent, but was mainly used as a right fielder in the latter half of the season. Despite the injury, he posted a respectable .297 batting average with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs.

The 1985 season marked a pivotal moment for Okada and the Hanshin Tigers. Under new manager Yoshio Yoshida, Okada returned to second base, swapping positions with Mayumi, and consistently batted 5th in the lineup. On April 17, at Koshien Stadium against the Giants, he hit the third and final home run in the iconic "Backscreen 3 Home Runs" sequence, following Bass and Kakefu. Okada later recalled the immense pressure he felt, knowing he had to aim for a home run. The day before, in a game against the Giants, Okada's aggressive baserunning, scoring from first on an error, sparked a 7-run rally, which Yoshida praised as a crucial play.

On August 12, 1985, a tragedy struck the Hanshin organization when team president Hajime Nakano died in the Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash. Okada, who had been close to Nakano and considered himself a "plane person," was deeply affected. Despite this, he had an exceptional August, batting .429 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs, earning his first career Monthly MVP award. On September 15, he hit a walk-off 2-run home run against Chunichi Dragons at Koshien, followed by a walk-off single the next day, marking two consecutive walk-off hits. He finished the season as the player representative and 5th batter, achieving career-highs with a .342 batting average (second in the league to Bass), 35 home runs (4th), and 101 RBIs (5th). His stellar performance, alongside Mayumi, Bass, and Kakefu, was instrumental in the Hanshin Tigers winning their first-ever Japan Series championship.

In 1986, Okada continued as the 5th batter and second baseman. When Kakefu suffered an injury in late April, Okada was promoted to cleanup hitter. He returned to the 5th spot when Kakefu recovered but resumed the 4th spot from late August until the end of the season as Kakefu continued to battle injuries. On September 4, the day after his father passed away, Okada played and hit a home run against Taiyo. Although his numbers dipped slightly from the previous year, he still maintained strong production with a .268 batting average, 26 home runs, and 70 RBIs.

The 1987 season saw Okada's performance decline, mirroring the team's struggles, with a .255 batting average and 14 home runs. However, he rebounded to hit 20 or more home runs for three consecutive seasons thereafter. In 1988, under returning manager Minoru Murayama, Okada began the season as the 5th batter and second baseman, moving to 4th batter and second baseman from May. He showed a recovery in his offensive performance, batting .267 with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.

In 1989, following Kakefu's retirement, Okada was converted to third base, a position he had played in college. On June 25, at Koshien Stadium against the Giants, he hit a dramatic go-ahead grand slam against Bill Gullickson in the bottom of the 8th inning with two outs and the bases loaded, turning a 1-4 deficit into a 5-4 victory. Coincidentally, this game occurred on the 30th anniversary of the Tenran-shiai (Emperor's attendance game), and the score was a reverse of that historic game. Okada later recounted looking at the scoreboard and realizing the situation would come to him. He proudly stated in his post-game interview that with a 3-run deficit, he knew he had to aim for a home run. His performance, including 8 home runs that month, earned him his second Monthly MVP award, even surpassing teammate Cecil Fielder, who hit 9 home runs.

In 1990, Katsuhiro Nakamura took over as manager, and Hiroshi Yagi was converted from shortstop to third base, moving Okada back to second base. The 1991 season was a career-low for Okada in terms of batting average, hits, and RBIs for a qualifying season.

By 1992, Okada served as the chairman of the Nippon Professional Baseball Players Association and played a key role in the introduction of the FA system. As a player, he moved to first base, yielding second base to Yutaka Wada. However, with the emergence of young stars like Tsuyoshi Shinjo and Tsutomu Kameyama, combined with a severe batting slump (his average dropped to the .100s), his starting opportunities significantly decreased. In one game on April 25, Kameyama was sent in to pinch-hit for him. Okada later described feeling isolated, noticing that younger players avoided eye contact with him. That offseason, there were reports of him being excluded from the team's plans and seeking a trade, with the Daiei Hawks being a potential destination. However, Hanshin persuaded him to stay.

In 1993, Okada was primarily used as an outfielder, but his playing time further diminished. He was ultimately released by Hanshin, citing "physical decline" as the reason.

3.3. Orix BlueWave (Player)

In 1994, just before spring training, Okada joined the Orix BlueWave, managed by Akira Ohgi. At his introductory press conference, he tearfully expressed his continued loyalty as a Hanshin fan, lamenting his departure from the team he had been with since his rookie year. Prior to this, Okada faced a scandal involving an alleged affair, which threatened his career. However, investigations revealed the "mistress" had fabricated the story for financial gain and had extorted 2.00 M JPY from Okada. Orix, whose parent company specialized in leasing, utilized its internal investigative resources to uncover the truth, leading to the woman's arrest for extortion and resolving the crisis.

During the 1994 spring training, Punch Sato, an Orix player who had struggled since being a first-round pick in 1989, declared his intention for a "revival" on Fuji TV's "Professional Baseball News." He enthusiastically invited Okada to join him in front of the camera to declare their joint revival. Okada, known for his strong pride as a top player, reacted with an exasperated smile, refusing and remarking, "Revival? I'm trying to revive, but did you ever have a good time?" Sato persisted, but Okada firmly rejected the idea, stating, "Revival? You've done nothing," and "Don't lump me in with you." This exchange marked an inauspicious start to Sato's final season. During preseason games, Hanshin fans were seen cheering for Okada when he came to bat, despite him playing for a rival team.

In 1995, Okada's playing opportunities further decreased. He retired after the season, having experienced a league championship with Orix, their first in 10 years, and his second overall after Hanshin's 1985 title. He did not appear in the 1995 Japan Series.

On March 26, 1996, Okada's retirement game was held during a preseason match between his former team, Hanshin, and Orix. After the game, players from both teams hoisted him onto their shoulders in a celebratory toss, marking his final departure from the field. Throughout his playing career, Okada also served as an advisory staff member for the sports equipment manufacturer SSK.

3.4. Player Characteristics

Okada was a distinguished professional baseball player known for both his offensive prowess and defensive versatility.

4.1. Coaching Career

After retiring as a player in 1995, Okada immediately began his coaching career. In 1996, he was appointed as the assistant manager and batting coach for the Orix Buffaloes' minor league team. In 1998, he returned to his former club, the Hanshin Tigers, in the same role, also obtaining his driver's license around this time.

In 1999, he was promoted to manager and batting coach of the Hanshin Tigers' minor league team. This period was crucial for the development of many young players who would later become key figures on the Hanshin first team. From 2000 to 2002, he served exclusively as the minor league manager. He led the Hanshin minor league team to two championships in the Farm Japan Championship (1999 and 2002). Okada later reflected that developing young players in the minor leagues was more enjoyable and memorable than his time as a first-team manager.

In 2003, he was reassigned to the first team as the infield defense and base running coach, where he also served as the third base coach. His judgment in base coaching situations was highly regarded for its precision.

4.2. Hanshin Tigers Manager (First Stint)

In the 2003 offseason, Okada was appointed as the 30th manager of the Hanshin Tigers, succeeding Senichi Hoshino, who stepped down due to health reasons. He was the first manager from Osaka Prefecture in the club's 69-year history. He continued to wear jersey number 80, which he had worn as a coach. Upon his appointment, he confidently stated, "You can expect a lot from me."

His first year as manager in 2004 saw the team finish in 4th place. This was attributed to various factors, including the struggles of key players like Kei Igawa and Hideki Irabu, the inconsistency of George Arias, injuries to Mike Kinkade from repeated hit-by-pitches, and the absence of Jerrod Riggan, as well as Jeff Williams and Yuya Ando who were away competing in baseball at the Athens Olympics.

The 2005 season was a triumph for Okada. He established the dominant bullpen trio known as "JFK" - Jeff Williams, Kyuji Fujikawa, and Tomoyuki Kubota - as the team's "winning formula." On September 7, in a crucial game against the Chunichi Dragons at Nagoya Dome with Hanshin holding a two-game lead, a controversial out call at home plate in the top of the 9th inning (involving Yutaka Nakamura, who later hit the winning home run in the 11th) led Okada to vehemently protest. He pulled his entire team off the field in protest of a similar safe call at home plate in the bottom of the 9th. Although the front office persuaded him to resume play, the team faced a walk-off loss situation after an error by Norihiro Akahoshi. In a rare move, Okada went to the mound and told closer Kubota, "Just throw it! It's not your fault if you give up a hit. I'll take responsibility." Kubota then struck out the next two batters, Hiroyuki Watanabe and Tyrone Woods, preserving the tie. Nakamura's home run in the 11th secured a hard-fought victory. This seemingly reckless statement by Okada conveyed his strong resolve to take full responsibility, even if it meant losing the game or the pennant. Chunichi manager Hiromitsu Ochiai famously remarked after the game, "Today, we lost due to the difference in managers." Following this pivotal game, Hanshin went on a winning streak, clinching the league championship on September 29, his late father's birthday, at Koshien Stadium against the Giants.

However, the 2005 Japan Series saw Hanshin suffer a devastating 0-4 sweep by the Chiba Lotte Marines. Okada faced criticism for not utilizing his dominant JFK bullpen more in the series, particularly in games where Hanshin was trailing significantly. On November 19, at a Hanshin fan appreciation event at Koshien, Okada participated in an OB exhibition game as a player-manager. In the final play, he famously declared "Pinch-hitter, me!" and hit a walk-off 2-run home run, earning the MVP award for the event.

On March 6, 2006, Okada announced a donation to a tiger conservation fund, pledging to provide equipment for tiger protection rangers equivalent to the number of Hanshin's official victories in the 2006 season. He donated 756.00 K JPY, covering 84 sets of equipment (at 9.00 K JPY per set), matching the team's 84 wins. In recognition of this initiative, the Indian government sent him a message of gratitude on December 12, praising Hanshin's "never-give-up attitude" and expressing deep appreciation for his support.

In 2007, Okada faced two ejections. On June 8, during a game against Orix at Koshien Stadium, he was ejected for pushing umpire Hiroshi Tani while protesting a defensive interference call on Takashi Toritani. This was his first ejection in his entire playing, coaching, and managerial career. On August 16, in a game against Chunichi at Kyocera Dome Osaka, he was ejected again for pushing second base umpire Osamu Ino during a protest over an out call at second base. He was the first Hanshin manager and the first Japanese manager in the Central League to be ejected twice in a single season.

The 2008 season started with Hanshin dominating and holding a significant lead. However, the team's performance declined sharply after key players Takahiro Arai, Akihiro Yano, and Kyuji Fujikawa left to represent Japan in baseball at the Beijing Olympics. The team suffered from offensive slumps and a string of injuries, ultimately losing a 13-game lead to the Giants and finishing second in the pennant race. Taking responsibility for this collapse, Okada announced his resignation at the end of the season. His final game as manager was the decisive loss in the 2008 Central League Climax Series First Stage. After the game, at the suggestion of player representative Norihiro Akahoshi, Okada was given five celebratory tosses by his players and coaches, symbolizing his five years as manager.

4.3. Orix Buffaloes Manager

After his first stint with Hanshin, Okada transitioned to a commentary role before returning to managing. In November 2008, he signed a contract as a guest baseball commentator with the Daily Sports newspaper, writing a column based on his experiences. On February 1, 2009, he debuted as a commentator on ABC's "Toraban" and subsequently appeared on various Kansai-based broadcasting stations, including NTV, Yomiuri TV, ABC, Sun TV, and Sky A. He made his national commentary debut on NTV's broadcast of a Hanshin-Giants game at Tokyo Dome on April 12. Okada chose not to sign an exclusive contract with any single network, preferring the freedom to work across different media outlets. In addition to his commentary work, he was appointed as a member of the "Investigation Committee" by Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before the start of the 2009 season. Although his typical term was two years, he resigned after one year to take on a new managerial role.

On October 13, 2009, it was announced that Okada would become the manager of the Orix Buffaloes starting in the 2010 season. His contract was for three years at 100.00 M JPY annually, and he would again wear jersey number 80. He was given broad authority over team formation and public relations, effectively serving as a de facto general manager. Okada held his inauguration press conference on October 14, becoming the first Orix Buffaloes manager who was also a former player of the team's predecessor, the Orix BlueWave. He was also the first OB (former player) manager for the Hankyu/Orix organization in 30 years, since Takao Kajimoto in 1980.

In 2010, on March 31, Okada achieved his 400th career managerial win (including his Hanshin record) in a game against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at Tokyo Dome, where T-Okada hit a go-ahead home run. On June 8, pitching coach Nobuyuki Hoshino went on leave, and Hiroshi Kobayashi was appointed as his successor. However, due to Kobayashi's limited experience, Okada publicly stated that he would personally make pitching decisions, effectively taking on a dual role as pitching coach. That season, Orix won the interleague play championship, and players like T-Okada and pitcher Chihiro Kaneko showed significant improvement. However, the team's performance declined in the second half, and they ultimately finished in 5th place.

The 2011 season started with Orix in a deep slump, with the team batting average falling below .200 at one point, pushing them to last place. They rebounded strongly in interleague play, finishing 2nd with a 15-7-2 record. However, the team's performance remained inconsistent, marked by alternating long winning and losing streaks. On July 2 and 3, Orix secured back-to-back walk-off victories against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and on July 5, they achieved a third consecutive walk-off win against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. This made Okada the only manager in NPB history to achieve three consecutive walk-off wins twice, having previously done so with Hanshin against the Yakult Swallows in 2008. On August 7, he earned his 500th career managerial win in a game against the Chiba Lotte Marines. Despite these milestones, Orix lost their final game against SoftBank by a narrow margin, missing a spot in the 2011 Pacific League Climax Series and an A-class finish by one game. During this season, Okada frequently sent key players, including captain Mitsutaka Goto, Aarom Baldiris, and even cleanup hitter T-Okada, to the minor leagues due to their struggles, a more frequent practice than during his Hanshin tenure. He also commented on internal issues within the Giants and expressed concern about the popularity of soccer overshadowing baseball in Japan.

In 2012, Orix made significant offseason acquisitions, leading Okada to openly declare their goal of "championship." However, the team struggled from the start due to a series of injuries to key players. They managed to reach a .500 winning percentage only once in April but never built a winning record. Orix was the first team in the Pacific League to be mathematically eliminated from A-class contention. With his three-year contract expiring, the club informed him on September 22 that his contract would not be renewed, and he would step down at the end of the season. Although the club initially intended for him to finish the season, after the team's last-place finish was confirmed on September 25, Orix announced that Okada, along with head coach Hironobu Takashiro, would be relieved of their duties immediately, citing a desire to start preparations for the next season sooner. Coach Hiroshi Moriwaki took over as interim manager.

4.4. Hanshin Tigers Manager (Second Stint)

After his departure from Orix, Okada returned to his role as a baseball commentator and analyst. From 2013, he rejoined Daily Sports as a baseball commentator, launching a column titled "Okada Jiten" (Okada Dictionary) in January, where he offered unique insights into current baseball topics. He also contributed a weekly column to "Weekly Baseball" titled "Hanshin Former Manager OKADA Baseball Theory: Akinobu Okada's Sora Sou Yo," which frequently featured his signature phrase. He resumed his commentary work for baseball broadcasts on ABC, Yomiuri TV, and Tigers-ai, with ABC becoming his de facto exclusive radio outlet. From 2017, he also provided commentary for Higashinippon Broadcasting's Rakuten Golden Eagles games and sports programs, alongside his Waseda University junior, Shintaro Ejiri.

Speculation about Okada's return to Hanshin began during the 2022 season, as Akihiro Yano announced his resignation as manager. Although Hanshin reportedly requested a media blackout on the succession news via LINE, Sankei Sports broke the story on September 27, reporting Okada's internal appointment as the next manager. On October 15, 2022, Hanshin officially announced Okada's return as manager, marking his second managerial stint with the club. He once again wore jersey number 80.

The 2023 season under Okada saw significant strategic changes. He established a fixed lineup, positioning Yusuke Ohyama as the cleanup hitter at first base and Teruaki Sato as the fifth batter at third base. He also converted Takumu Nakano to second base and appointed Seiya Kinami as the starting shortstop. In the pitching rotation, he solidified the roles of third-year pitcher Shoki Murakami and Kotaro Ohtake, acquired from SoftBank via the active draft. He also transitioned Yuya Iwasaki to the closer role due to Atsuki Yuasa's early-season struggles. These bold changes and his consistent lineup throughout the year led to a successful season. On September 14, Hanshin clinched their 6th league championship, their first in 18 years. Coincidentally, the victory was secured in a Thursday night game against the Giants at Koshien Stadium, mirroring their 2005 championship. The win came 334 days after his appointment as manager. At 65 years and 9 months, Okada became the oldest manager in the Central League to win a pennant, surpassing Shigeo Nagashima's record (64 years and 7 months in 2000). He also became only the second Hanshin manager, after Teiichi Fujimoto (1962, 1964), to win two league championships with the club. Other Hanshin coaches in 2023, Katsuo Hirata and Munehiko Shimada, also experienced the 1985 championship as players.

In the 2023 Central League Climax Series Final Stage, Hanshin swept the Hiroshima Toyo Carp 4-0 (including a one-win advantage for winning the regular season). Okada's tactical adaptability was evident; he initially encouraged aggressive early swings but shifted to a more patient approach in Game 3 when he judged Hiroshima's pitchers were struggling with control. Commentators like Akihiko Oya praised Okada for always having a counter-strategy.

The 2023 Japan Series saw Hanshin face Okada's former team, the Orix Buffaloes. The series went to a decisive Game 7, which Hanshin won 4-3, securing the club's second Japan Series championship and their first in 38 years since 1985. Okada became the first person in Hanshin Tigers history to experience both of the club's Japan Series championships, first as a player in 1985 and then as manager in 2023. At 65 years and 11 months, he also became the second-oldest manager to win a Japan Series, after Senichi Hoshino (66 years and 9 months in 2013).

On July 6, 2024, Okada achieved his 515th win as Hanshin manager, surpassing Teiichi Fujimoto's 514 wins to become the club's all-time winningest manager. On October 3, 2024, it was reported that he would step down at the end of the season, a decision he officially announced on October 6. Hanshin remained in the championship race until the end, finishing second, 3.5 games behind the Giants. His final game as manager was a 3-10 loss in Game 2 of the 2024 Central League Climax Series First Stage against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars on October 13, concluding his 10-year managerial career across both Hanshin and Orix. Due to a cold that caused him to miss team practice on October 9, he did not address the fans after the final game, nor did he hold a season-ending report with the owner or a resignation press conference. However, a column in Chunichi Sports later suggested that Okada himself did not wish to address the fans, and the club cited his cold as the reason after he resisted their persuasion. He was reported to have recovered and visited the team facility on October 28.

4.5. Managerial Philosophy and Tactics

Okada's managerial approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on solidity and a cautious, analytical mindset. He states in his book, "When it comes to baseball, I think from the negative. I always assume the worst-case scenario and proceed with the game. This is my managerial theory."

He is highly respected by his peers, with former Hanshin player Taira Fujita praising Okada's "ability to lead, talent" and his "foresight" in managing the team. Okada's ideal team building is rooted in a probabilistic approach, similar to sabermetrics. While he claims he never read books on sabermetrics and only later realized his practical baseball philosophy "overlapped" with it, he clarifies that it's not a direct application of sabermetrics.

Under his first Hanshin stint, the team's use of bunts, which was low when he took over, became the league's highest in 2008. He explained this was not a change in his fundamental thinking but a result of adapting to the team's roster to maximize their strengths. While he generally dislikes bunts, seeing them as "giving up an out," he acknowledges their necessity in certain situations. However, he strongly avoids squeeze plays due to the high pressure they place on batters. His first successful squeeze play in 953 games as a manager (including his Hanshin tenure) occurred on August 12, 2011, with Orix.

Okada generally dislikes frequently changing the batting order or starting pitcher rotation based on player condition or opponent matchups. He believes the strongest teams are those with a well-established style that requires minimal bench intervention. His ideal is to manage a team where he "does nothing in the dugout, says no words, and then realizes the game was won 1-0." For example, he kept Tomoaki Kanemoto as the cleanup hitter for five years from 2004, regardless of his performance, because Kanemoto embodied Okada's vision of a cleanup hitter as the "team's pillar" who plays every game. The establishment of the JFK bullpen trio also strongly reflects his emphasis on a "winning formula."

Unlike many managers who frequently visit the mound to talk to struggling pitchers, Okada rarely does so. He has only done it seven times in his career: four times with Hanshin (twice with Kubota, twice with Fujikawa) and three times with Orix (all with Mamoru Kishida). Only one of these instances resulted in a walk-off loss. In his book "Gankoryoku" (Stubborn Power), Okada states that advising pitchers or catchers on the mound is the pitching coach's job, and that "entrusting" fosters trust between manager and coach. He considers such mound visits "performance" and not his preferred style, though he acknowledged that his 2005 and 2008 visits during Hanshin's first stint were in games of significant pennant race importance.

Despite having little experience in the minor leagues himself, Okada has a strong affinity for young minor league players. During his first Hanshin managerial tenure, he was often seen at Hanshin's Naruo Hama minor league stadium even on non-game days. He believes that "properly developing young players from the minor leagues and teaching them baseball, and then for the manager to put in effort to accumulate team results, that kind of managerial work is truly interesting."

Having narrowly missed a batting title as a player, Okada emphasizes individual records in player utilization, with the caveat that "team victory is the top priority." He states that as a manager, he would provide maximum support if he could help players achieve their personal milestones. He fully supported Tomoaki Kanemoto's consecutive full-inning games streak, Takashi Toritani's consecutive games played streak, and Tomotaka Sakaguchi's pursuit of a batting title.

Regarding the criticism he received for overusing the JFK bullpen in late 2008, Okada refuted this in his post-managerial book, stating he always monitored their fatigue. He argued that "for them, each pitch, each inning, is their livelihood that boosts their salary and evaluation." Even in his second Hanshin managerial stint, he made efforts to avoid having relievers pitch on three consecutive days.

Okada's performance in short-term postseason series, such as the Japan Series and Climax Series, was not strong during his first Hanshin tenure. He was often criticized for adhering too rigidly to his ideal team structure rather than adapting to player conditions in crucial moments. However, in the 2023 Central League Climax Series, he showed increased flexibility. For example, in the first two games, he instructed his batters to be aggressive and swing at good pitches early, rather than waiting for walks. Then, in the third game, with the series on the verge of being clinched, he switched back to a patient, walk-oriented approach, judging that Hiroshima's pitchers were struggling with control. While he maintained a consistent starting lineup, this tactical adaptability was praised by commentators like Akihiko Oya, who noted that Okada "always has a counter-move ready when the opponent makes a move."

Okada avoids explicitly stating "championship" as the team's goal during the season. He famously uses the euphemism "アレ_Are^Japanese" (meaning "that thing"). When he became Orix manager in 2009, he stated, "I can't really say 'championship.' It's scary. I don't think winning is that easy." For instance, in 2010, when Orix was contending for the interleague championship, Okada deliberately avoided the word "championship" to prevent players from becoming overly conscious of it, frequently using "Are" instead. This led to Orix owner Yoshihiko Miyauchi also adopting the term. When Orix won the interleague title, the team even sold merchandise with the phrase "アレしてもうた_{Are shitemota}^Japanese" (We did that thing).

Upon his return to Hanshin in October 2022, Okada immediately used "Are" in his press conference, stating, "I can't exactly say 'we'll win the championship,' but I've always just said 'Are' for championship. I think it'll be good if you look forward to it when the season ends." The use of "Are" quickly spread among the players and fans. Consequently, Hanshin's 2023 team slogan became "A.R.E. (Aim! Respect! Empower!)" (read as "A-R-E"), a backronym inspired by his catchphrase. This strategic avoidance of the word "championship" resonated with Hanshin fans, who had seen their team fall short in close pennant races for 17 years. As Hanshin approached their 2023 league championship, "Are" became a widespread term in Kansai media. After Hanshin won both the league and Japan Series in 2023, "Are (A.R.E.)" was awarded the Grand Prize at the U-Can New Words/Buzzwords Awards. On stage, Okada explained that "Are" signifies something "just within reach," unlike "Kore" (this, immediately available) or "Achira" (over there, far away), making it "just right" for Hanshin, which had often finished second or third. He also revealed that his wife devised the English words for the "A.R.E." slogan.

In the 2010 interleague play, Okada used a pitcher in the 8th spot of the batting order in 11 out of 12 road games where the designated hitter rule was not in effect.

Okada has had consistently poor luck in draft lotteries when multiple teams bid for the same player. During his first Hanshin managerial period (until 2008), he only won the lottery for Takuya Takahama, with a total record of 1 win and 3 losses. As Orix manager, in 2010, he lost three consecutive first-round draft lotteries, becoming the first manager in NPB history to do so in a single draft. He also lost the lottery for Shuhei Takahashi in 2011. Upon his return to Hanshin in 2022, he again lost the lottery for Shogo Asano in a direct confrontation with Giants manager Tatsunori Hara, who also had a historically poor draft lottery record.

During his Orix managerial tenure, Okada frequently criticized the defensive leadership of his starting catcher, Takeshi Hidaka. Despite Hidaka's decent batting average, he was sent to the minor leagues three times in 2010 due to concerns over his game calling. After 2011, Okada rarely used Hidaka as a catcher. However, in late 2012, when two other catchers, Hikaru Ito and Toshio Saito, were disciplined and removed from the active roster, Okada had to use Hidaka again until his own departure. Hidaka then responded with strong performances, helping Alessandro Maestri achieve his first complete game victory in Japan and Yuji Maeda secure his first career win as a starter.

Baseball figures have offered varied assessments of Okada's managerial style. Yoshinori Sato, who served as Hanshin's pitching coach in 2004, criticized Okada upon his departure, calling him "too stubborn" and unwilling to listen to others' opinions. Bobby Valentine, manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines who defeated Hanshin in the 2005 Japan Series, remarked that Okada at that time reminded him of "myself 10 years ago." Katsuya Nomura, a legendary manager, commented before the 2006 season that Chunichi manager Hiromitsu Ochiai played "conventional baseball," while Okada's managing was "far more unusual." In his 2008 book, Nomura criticized Okada for "abandoning his duties as manager" by not giving signs and leaving decisions to players like Kanemoto, finding it "difficult to understand." However, he praised Okada for establishing the JFK bullpen, calling it a "new formula" that "must be honestly evaluated." Nomura speculated that Okada's "player-led" approach might be intended to foster individual player awareness, suggesting he could become a great manager if successful. Okada, in his book "Gankoryoku," responded to Nomura's comments, stating that he has his own baseball philosophy and does set tactics, often in contrast to Nomura's approach.

5.1. Commentator and Analyst

After his first managerial stint with the Hanshin Tigers (2004-2008) and his time with the Orix Buffaloes (2010-2012), Okada transitioned into media roles, becoming a highly sought-after baseball commentator and analyst. From November 2008, he began writing a column as a guest baseball critic for the Daily Sports newspaper. In February 2009, he made his debut as a commentator on ABC's "Toraban" and subsequently appeared on various Kansai-based broadcasting stations, including NTV, Yomiuri TV, ABC, Sun TV, and Sky A. He gained national exposure with his commentary on NTV's broadcast of a Hanshin-Giants game in April 2009. Okada deliberately avoided signing exclusive contracts, preferring the flexibility to work with multiple media outlets.

Upon his departure from Orix in 2012, he returned to commentary in 2013, resuming his role as a baseball critic for Daily Sports, where he launched his popular "Okada Jiten" (Okada Dictionary) column. He also contributed a weekly column to "Weekly Baseball" titled "Hanshin Former Manager OKADA Baseball Theory: Akinobu Okada's Sora Sou Yo," known for its frequent use of his signature catchphrase. He continued to provide commentary for professional baseball broadcasts on ABC, Yomiuri TV, and Tigers-ai, with ABC being his primary radio outlet. From 2017, he also served as a commentator for Higashinippon Broadcasting's coverage of Rakuten Golden Eagles games and sports programs, often alongside his Waseda University junior, Shintaro Ejiri.

5.2. Club Advisor/Consultant Roles

Following his second managerial stint with the Hanshin Tigers (2023-2024), Okada continued his association with the club in an advisory capacity. On November 1, 2024, he officially joined the Hanshin Tigers' front office as an "Owner's Advisor" with a three-year contract. This role allows him to continue contributing his extensive knowledge and experience to the organization at a strategic level.

5.3. Authored Works

Akinobu Okada has authored several books, offering insights into his baseball philosophy, managerial style, and personal reflections. His works include:

• Gankoryoku: Burenai Rīdā Tetsugaku (頑固力 ~ブレないリーダー哲学_{Gankoryoku: Burenai Rīdā Tetsugaku}^Japanese), "Stubborn Power: An Unwavering Leader's Philosophy" (2008)
• Naze Hanshin wa Katenai no ka?: Tigers Saiken e no Teigen (なぜ阪神は勝てないのか？ ~タイガース再建への提言_{Naze Hanshin wa Katenai no ka?: Tigers Saiken e no Teigen}^Japanese), "Why Can't Hanshin Win?: Proposals for Tigers' Reconstruction" (2009, co-authored with Yutaka Enatsu)
• Ori no Naka no Tora: Aisuru Taigāsu e Saigo ni Hoeru (オリの中の虎 ~愛するタイガースへ最後に吼える_{Ori no Naka no Tora: Aisuru Taigāsu e Saigo ni Hoeru}^Japanese), "The Tiger in Orix: A Final Roar to My Beloved Tigers" (2009)
• Ugoku ga Make: 0-shō 144-hai kara Kangaeru Kantoku-ron (動くが負け ~0勝144敗から考える監督論_{Ugoku ga Make: 0-shō 144-hai kara Kangaeru Kantoku-ron}^Japanese), "Moving Means Losing: A Managerial Theory from 0 Wins and 144 Losses" (2010)
• Sora, Sou Yo: Katsu Riyū, Makeru Riyū (そら、そうよ 勝つ理由、負ける理由_{Sora, Sou Yo: Katsu Riyū, Makeru Riyū}^Japanese), "That's Right: Reasons for Winning, Reasons for Losing" (2014)
• Puro Yakyū Kōzō Kaikaku-ron (プロ野球構造改革論_{Puro Yakyū Kōzō Kaikaku-ron}^Japanese), "Professional Baseball Structural Reform Theory" (2014)
• Kanemoto Hanshin Mōko Fukkatsu no Shōhōsen (金本・阪神 猛虎復活の処方箋_{Kanemoto Hanshin Mōko Fukkatsu no Shōhōsen}^Japanese), "Kanemoto Hanshin: Prescription for the Tigers' Revival" (2017)
• Shiawase na Tora, Sora Sou Yo (幸せな虎、そらそうよ_{Shiawase na Tora, Sora Sou Yo}^Japanese), "Happy Tiger, That's Right" (2023)

6.1. Nicknames and Catchphrases

Okada is known by several nicknames, including "Oka" and, most famously, "Donden" (どんでん_Donden^Japanese). The "Donden" nickname originated from his appearances in a 1998-1999 commercial for Ajinomoto's "Hondashi Udon Oden Dashi" (ほんだし うどんおでんだし_{Hondashi Udon Oden Dashi}^Japanese) seasoning, where he engaged in a fluent exchange with comedian Toshio Sakata, answering "Donden dennen" (It's Donden) to questions about the soup base. This catchy dialogue led to "Donden" becoming his lasting nickname. His often abbreviated and indirect speech style is sometimes referred to as "Don-go" (Okada-speak), and his comments as "Don-kome."

His most famous catchphrase is "そらそうよ_{Sora sou yo}^Japanese" (That's right, isn't it?), a Kansai dialect phrase. This phrase has become so iconic that Hanshin Tigers owns its trademark, and it has been used as the title for a brand of shochu and one of his books. In 2023, Hanshin even released "Sora Sou Yo" towels as official team merchandise. Okada is also known for his frequent use of the demonstrative pronoun "アレ_Are^Japanese" (that thing), often to refer to the championship, as discussed in his managerial philosophy. During his first Hanshin managerial stint, his use of "Are" and other vague terms sometimes confused younger players, prompting veteran Norihiro Akahoshi to act as a "translator." His eldest son has noted that Okada often omits subjects when speaking, and his mother observed that he frequently "cuts out the middle" of sentences. In his second Hanshin managerial tenure, the interjection "おーん_Oon^Japanese" also became widely recognized as one of his verbal habits. Scholar Hiroo Ko suggests that Kansai-based reporters, familiar with local culture, printed Okada's remarks largely unedited, and Okada, like the "Danna-shu" (wealthy merchants) of old Osaka, did not object, contributing to the spread of his unique speaking style. English education scholar Keiko Okada notes that while his speech can be unclear, his unique communication style, including non-verbal cues, is captivating.

6.2. Hobbies and Interests

Okada's personal interests extend beyond baseball. His motto is "Michi Hitosuji" (道一筋_{Michi Hitosuji}^Japanese), "One Path", signifying his commitment to pursuing his beliefs despite any opposition. This motto is derived from "Kyudo Hitosuji" (球道一筋_{Kyudo Hitosuji}^Japanese), "One Path of Baseball", the motto of his father's friend, Minoru Murayama. Okada often adds this phrase when signing autographs. As a player, his motto was "Yugen Jikko" (Action Speaks Louder Than Words), reflecting his focus on personal statistics. After winning the Japan Series in 2023, he changed his motto to "Kyudo Hitosuji" from January 1, 2024, to honor Murayama. The phrase itself has been trademarked, which became a topic of discussion.

For stress relief, Okada enjoys drinking (he is currently a shochu enthusiast), karaoke, and practicing magic tricks. He also enjoys Nintendo DS brain training games. He is a heavy smoker. For relaxation, he often watches comedy shows, particularly those from Yoshimoto Kogyo, with his wife even recording them for him. He also enjoys mystery dramas, such as the Kyotaro Nishimura Travel Mystery Series, and Sudoku puzzles.

Okada has been a fan of shogi (Japanese chess) since elementary school. On January 24, 2008, he was awarded an amateur 3rd dan certificate by the Japan Shogi Association. He used to play shogi with Randy Bass, with Kozo Kawato often joining them.

During his time at Hokuyo High School, a period known for significant school violence, a legend circulated that half of the school's broken windows were due to hooligans, and the other half were broken by Okada's home runs. He was a year senior to Akira Maeda, a famous professional wrestler. A common anecdote in Kansai claims Okada mediated a fight between Maeda and Hidekazu Akai on a train, but Maeda has denied this, stating he didn't know Akai at the time.

Okada has maintained a friendship with professional wrestler Abdullah the Butcher since his rookie year, when Butcher reportedly praised him as a future star. Okada's fan club, the "Okada-kai," also supported Butcher at the time. Okada still feels grateful to Butcher and even planned to invite him to Hanshin's 2005 league championship celebration, though it did not materialize.

Singer-songwriter Takuro Yoshida is reportedly a fan of Okada, though Okada himself has no interest in folk music. Okada shares many commonalities with former Japan national soccer team manager Takeshi Okada: both are from Osaka, share the same surname, were classmates at Waseda University (Takeshi was a year older but took a gap year, making them classmates), and both managed professional sports teams. Both are also Hanshin Tigers fans. Although they had no direct contact during their university years, they met for a joint interview in a 2009 "Sports Graphic Number" feature on "Waseda Power" and have maintained a friendship since. Okada is also still close friends with Haruhisa Hasegawa, a former soccer player and current commentator who was his high school classmate.

6.3. Family Life

Akinobu Okada married on December 11, 1982. His family has occasionally appeared in public life. His mother starred in a 1982 commercial for Nissui's chikuwa (fish cake), making a dish with chikuwa and calling out to Okada. In 1986, his wife and infant son appeared in a commercial for Lion Corporation's dish soap.

As of 2023, Okada resides in Nishinomiya City. During a "Hanshin Tigers Japan Champion Nishinomiya Citizens' Report Meeting" on November 27, 2023, he mentioned visiting the city hall for early voting and to pick up his My Number card, indicating his active participation in local civic life.

6.4. Public Persona

Okada's public image is defined by his straightforward, often blunt communication style, his deep analytical approach to baseball, and his consistent advocacy for structural changes within the sport.

He has been a consistent proponent of a 1-league, 8-team system for Japanese professional baseball since his time as chairman of the Nippon Professional Baseball Players Association. He argues that the current 2-league system leads to disagreements between the Central and Pacific Leagues regarding rules, schedules, and drafts. He also envisions eliminating independent leagues, which he believes lack future prospects, and instead establishing a 3-tier system where the third tier emphasizes regionality, with professional teams in all prefectures.

Okada is critical of the Climax Series, arguing that losing in it and failing to advance to the Japan Series "negates the value of the effort, process, and evaluation of a long 144-game season." He has also proposed reducing or even eliminating foreign player slots in NPB, contending that foreign players drive up salaries and limit opportunities for young Japanese players. However, in another part of his book, he also suggests that Hanshin should wisely acquire foreign players who have shown decent performance in other leagues and can adapt to Japanese baseball, indicating a nuanced view.

His direct and often unvarnished commentary, though not eloquent, is seen as a reflection of his deep thought process. He is known for his "poisonous tongue" in evaluating individuals.

In 2023, Okada's habit of eating Pine Ame candies during games gained public attention. This led to a collaboration between Pine Co. and the Hanshin Tigers, resulting in the sale of "Pine ARE" merchandise, including towels and candy pouches, further cementing his unique public image.

8.1. Player Statistics

8.2. Managerial Statistics

9.1. "ARE" Phenomenon

One of Okada's most significant cultural impacts is the "ARE" (アレ_Are^Japanese, "that thing") phenomenon. His deliberate avoidance of the word "championship" in favor of "ARE" as a managerial tactic, particularly during his second stint with the Hanshin Tigers, resonated deeply with fans and the media. This unique linguistic quirk, initially used to alleviate pressure on his teams, became a national buzzword, especially as the Tigers approached their 2023 league championship. The team even adopted "A.R.E. (Aim! Respect! Empower!)" as its official slogan for the 2023 season, with the English words reportedly conceived by his wife. The success of the 2023 Hanshin Tigers, culminating in both the league pennant and the Japan Series championship, propelled "ARE" to win the Grand Prize at the 2023 U-Can New Words/Buzzwords Awards. Okada's explanation that "ARE" represented something "just within reach" perfectly captured the aspirations of the team and its long-suffering fanbase, solidifying its place in Japanese popular culture.

9.2. Overall Baseball Influence

Okada's lasting influence on Japanese professional baseball stems from his distinctive managerial legacy and his impact on player development. His strategic thinking, often described as akin to sabermetrics despite his claims of not studying it, emphasized a data-driven and probability-based approach to team building. He favored consistent lineups and established bullpen roles, as exemplified by the "JFK" trio, believing that a well-structured team minimizes the need for reactive bench management. His philosophy of "thinking from the negative" and always preparing for the worst-case scenario guided his decision-making.

Okada's strong commitment to developing young players, evident in his successful minor league managerial career, underscored his belief in nurturing talent from within the organization. He was known for his willingness to support players in achieving individual milestones, provided it aligned with the team's overall success. While his initial postseason record was criticized for a perceived inflexibility, his adaptability in the 2023 Climax Series demonstrated a willingness to adjust tactics while maintaining his core principles. His candid and often blunt communication style, though sometimes challenging to interpret, has become a recognizable part of his public persona, contributing to his unique and memorable legacy in Japanese baseball history.