One of the most subdued managers working in Japan, forty-nine year old Toshiyuki Mimura is also one of the youngest. In his four years with the Carp, he's compiled a 277-248 win-loss record.

In 1996, his team appeared to be headed for their first pennant in six years, but fell apart in the last month when their pitching staff failed and home run-slugging third baseman Akira Eto went on the disabled list. A year later, the Carp again played strong early in the season but faded in September and August.

Unable to acquire many free agents, the Carp have put a lot of effort in player development, and they've been largely successful over the past few decades. Mimura inherited a pretty solid offense, but by giving starting jobs to outfielders Tomoaki Kanemoto and Koichi Ogata he's helped Hiroshima build an even stronger line-up and one of the best defenses in the Central League. Mimura's biggest challenge now is how to get the most out of his few decent pitchers.

The only somewhat controversial incident Mimura was involved in happened shortly after American umpire Mike DiMuro left Japan (because of the physical abuse he suffered on the field). In June 1997, the Central League, perhaps overcompensating for their failure to back up Dimuro, reprimanded and fined the Carp manager 200,000 yen (roughly $2000 U.S.).

And what was Mimura's offense?

In a game against the Yomiuri Giants, umpire Osamu Ino called Giants batter Katsumi Hirosawa safe (on video he appeared to be out), allowing Yomiuri to rally and defeat the Carp.

After the game, Mimura said that Ino should be wearing the Giants uniform, and should do the post-game "hero" interview for the Giants. It's unclear whether Mimura even said this to Ino's face, but certainly there wasn't any physical violence. After hearing of his fine, Mimura apologized.