The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have added Kenjiro Nomura to their staff as an Advisor to Baseball Operations. Nomura has most recently served as a broadcaster and advisor for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan's Central League.
"Kenjiro has been a great friend to the Royals organization over the years. He was a tremendous player on the field and is highly respected in the game. We look forward to his expertise and insight as we expand our efforts in Japan," Royals General Manager/Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations Dayton Moore said.
Along with his role on television the last two seasons, Nomura has served as a manager (2010-14) for the Carp, while playing 17 seasons for the club from 1989 to 2005. He is a member of Japan's Meikyukai (Golden Players Club), which includes any player that collected 2,000 hits in their career. Nomura led Japan's Central League in hits in 1991 and 1994, while also leading the league in steals three times (1990, 1991, 1994).
The left-handed hitting infielder enjoyed his best season in 1995, when he batted .315 with 29 doubles, five triples and a career-high 32 homers, while stealing 30 bases. He was a career .285 hitter, collecting 2,020 hits, 169 homers and 935 runs scored.
He has previously worked with the Royals during Spring Training, also serving as an advisor and a coach.