Congratulations are in order to Alonzo Powell on being named batting coach with the Seattle Mariners last week. As one who played seven years with the Chunichi Dragons and Hanshin Tigers, Powell is well remembered in Japan by fans and friends, and it would not be surprising to see him become a major league manager some day. Or maybe manage a team in the ranks of NPB.
A prolific hitter during his playing days, 'Zo won three consecutive batting titles with the Dragons, leading the Central League in 1994 (.324), 1995 (.355) and 1996 (.340). He is also a gentleman with a super personality that made him a perfect fit as an American playing ball in Japan.
He joined the Dragons midway through the 1992 season after an abbreviated career in the big leagues with the Montreal Expos and the Mariners. At first, then-Chunichi manager Morimichi Takagi did not realize what a productive hitter he had in Powell, using him sparingly and alternating him on defense in left and right field.