TOKYO - Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe resigned on May 26th after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting his eldest daughter at the family’s home in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, a scandal that has sent shockwaves through Japanese professional baseball just before the start of interleague play.
Tokyo police arrested Abe, 47, on the night of May 25th before releasing him shortly afterward, investigators said. According to investigative sources, authorities received an emergency call from a child consultation center shortly after 7 p.m. reporting that “a father became violent” and that “she was hit.”
Abe is suspected of grabbing the collar of his 18-year-old eldest daughter and pushing her to the ground during an altercation at the family home. Police said alcohol was detected in Abe’s breath following a test conducted after the incident.
At the time, four family members were reportedly inside the residence: Abe, his wife, the couple’s 18-year-old eldest daughter, and their 15-year-old second daughter. Investigators said Abe’s wife and younger daughter witnessed the incident.
During questioning, Abe reportedly admitted to the allegations, telling investigators he became angry after intervening in a fight between the sisters and that his daughter “talked back.”
The Metropolitan Police Department released Abe at 12:10 a.m. on May 26th after determining there was no risk of evidence tampering or flight. Authorities said the investigation would continue on a voluntary basis.
Hours later, the Yomiuri Giants announced that Abe had submitted his resignation after meeting directly with Giants owner Toshikazu Yamaguchi on the morning of May 26th.
According to the club, Abe apologized during the meeting, saying he had “brought shame upon the name of the prestigious Yomiuri Giants manager.”
Yamaguchi said the organization concluded Abe could no longer remain in charge of the team.
“The fact that violence occurred is extremely serious, and we judged that allowing him to remain as manager would be unacceptable,” Yamaguchi said. “We deeply apologize to all fans and everyone involved in professional baseball.”
Giants president Tetsu Kunimatsu also issued a statement condemning the incident.
“Violence is unacceptable, and we take this matter extremely seriously,” Kunimatsu said. “We deeply apologize to all professional baseball officials and fans for causing such a major scandal on the eve of interleague play.”
Kunimatsu initially said the club would consider disciplinary action against Abe, including his future with the organization, before the manager formally stepped down later in the day.
The Giants announced that offensive chief coach Hideki Hashigami would serve as acting manager beginning May 26th, when the club is scheduled to open interleague play at Tokyo Dome.
Abe joined the Giants as the club’s top draft pick in 2000 and built a celebrated career as one of Japan’s most accomplished catchers. He became manager of the top team for the 2024 season and guided the Giants to their first league championship in four years during his debut season as manager.
Source: TBS
