LOS ANGELES (HawaiiNewsNow) – It was a historic day in Hawaii sports as Kurt Suzuki was officially introduced as the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday.
The Maui native and Baldwin High School alum is believed to be the first-ever Hawaii-born manager in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Suzuki addressed the media Wednesday, a day after he was announced as the Angels manager, and put on the team jersey.
This is his first-ever professional coaching position, but he has a wealth of playing experience.
Suzuki played 16 years in the MLB as a catcher and won a World Series title in 2019 with the Washington Nationals.
The Angels currently have the longest active playoff drought in the sport.
His contract is only a one-year deal, but he’s up for the challenge.
“This means a lot to me. I’m excited for this opportunity,” Suzuki said. “My mom and dad at home watching. Every time I talk, I’m gonna cry. I just want you guys to know this does mean a lot to me.”
“Coming from Maui, understanding the challenges that there are being from a small island out in the middle of the Pacific, me sitting here today, if I can impact one kid, I’ve done my job, that’s what the hope is for, and I’m excited to do this.”
Suzuki has spent the last three seasons working in the team’s front office and as an assistant to the general manager.
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