Seibu Lions manager Haruki Ihara said Wednesday he will take a break from the helm due to his team's dismal performance this season.
Ihara, 65, made the announcement after his team's 1-0 victory over the Yokohama BayStars at Seibu Dome. Batting coach Norio Tanabe will serve as acting manager starting Thursday. Ihara put in a request for a sabbatical on Tuesday, effectively meaning he is stepping down as manager of the team.
"I have betrayed the fans," Ihara said at a news conference following the game. "If I step aside as manger once and this brings a fresh start (for the team), then that's what is right."
Ihara returned to the helm of the Pacific League club after 11 years, but the team got off to a rocky start with three straight defeats and as of Wednesday is in last place with a 20-33 record.