Todd Takayoshi left organized baseball in 1998, settled down in Tacoma, Wash., with his wife, Saori, and their two children and had enough seniority with Alaska Airlines to not worry about cutbacks that hit the industry last fall. Takayoshi catches on
as hitting coachBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comBut, four years away from the game didn't dull his interest, although he knew his playing days were over. So the former Hawaii catcher called a former pro teammate, Ty Van Burkleo, the Anaheim Angels' minor league hitting coordinator, to find out if he knew of any coaching opportunities.
"He went to bat for me with the Angels' director of minor league operations and I got the call in January," said Takayoshi. "We were planning on coming to the UH alumni game, but the call came the week before. My wife wanted to save her vacation so she could visit me during the summer, so we canceled the trip."
Takayoshi is the hitting coach and will help with the catchers for the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernels in the Midwest League, one of two Class A teams in the Angels' farm system.
He reported to Anaheim's spring training complex in Mesa, Ariz., at the end of February and every day has been full of new discoveries.
"I didn't know it was so much work. As a player I just thought coaches yelled at you. It is a lot easier on the body, but it's a whole different learning experience," said Takayoshi. "I think Ty is a genius as a hitting coach. I see something wrong and he sees what causes what I see is wrong.
"Ty is really technical and I think I'm on the same page with him. A big part of that is I played with him and remember his swing. When I first got to camp, my head was spinning, but it got better after a week or two. I'm looking forward to the season, but I'm not sure what to expect."
Takayoshi did get a taste of coaching when he was a player/coach for Reno, Nevada, in the independent Western League in 1998, but his duties were minimal.
Now he has a company laptop and will file regular reports on each of his hitters. He also is expected to help the manager with on-field duties.
"I didn't realize a manager has so much to do. He has to deal with all the politics and the front office," said Takayoshi who has learned some of what it takes to advise, teach or help hitters.
"You have to deal with every guy mentally and emotionally. Some are great and some you have to baby. So far I really like it. I'm excited about getting the season started. Now that we've settled on a roster, I know who my hitters are going to be. In camp, players were always coming and going."
Takayoshi has taken a leave of absence from Alaska Airlines and will need an extension to finish the season. He isn't worried about being rehired if the extension isn't granted. He is back in organized baseball and Saori and the children will visit several times during the summer.