Dodgers hire Isao O'Jimi

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the hiring of Isao O'Jimi as Head Scout, Japan.

O'Jimi previously worked for the New York Mets from 1997-2011, starting as a scout before he was promoted to Director of Pacific Rim Scouting in December 2003. With the Mets, O'Jimi was involved in the club's signings of Masato Yoshii, Jae Seo, Jorge Toca, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Satoru Komiyama, Kazuo Matsui, Dae-sung Koo, Timo Perez and Takashi Kashiwada.

O'Jimi started his career in baseball as a catcher in the Seibu Lions' farm system from 1976-1979, but never made it to Nippon Pro Baseball. Following his playing career, he coached the USA Junior High School squad in USA-City, Oita from 1980-1984. He spent the next few years studying English and International Trade in London before returning to baseball in 1990 as an interpreter and bullpen catcher for the Daiei Hawks, a position he held until 1994. O'Jimi also served as an interpreter for the 1995 Chiba Lotte Marines, working with Bobby Valentine.