Internet services company Livedoor on Thursday announced the appointment of former Yakult Swallows and Hanshin Tigers player Tom O'Malley as manager of its baseball team.

O'Malley, who played for six major league teams including the New York Mets, would become the team's manager if Livedoor is granted entry into Japan's professional leagues for the 2005 season.

The 43-year-old former infielder is a native of Orange, New Jersey, and currently works as a North American scout for the Tigers.