Today the West Virginia Alleghenies decided to revamp some of their coaches in the minor leagues.  That included firing pitching Jorge Aguilar from Maine (AA) and then promoting both David Sánchez and Akio Sai.  Doing that left an opening for a new pitching coach in Aruba (R).  While some thought that the team would go out and find an experienced coach, they decided against that.  Instead the has opted to bring back former pitcher Oniji “Nails” Yokoyama.  Oniji originally joined the team in 2024 as a free agent from the Japanese league.  He enjoyed six great seasons with the Alleghenies and is still number 2 in total wins for them. 

Current manager of the Alleghenies, Salvador González had this to say about Oniji,”Oniji arrived in West Virginia in my first season managing.  At the time he was already 31 and he was a calming force on the team.  He gets along with almost everyone that comes in contact with him and he is absolutely brilliant.  What is even more important is the work he puts in to succeed and help his teammates.  When GM Abcarian asked me if he should hire him as pitching coach for Aruba, I said look no further, he should have been coaching years ago.”

“I am so excited for this opportunity to coach back in the organization.  I had my best times with this team and I can’t wait to give back to them for at least a few more years.  I will do my best not to disappoint the fans or tarnish any legacy I have with this team.  I won’t lie either, there are much worse places in the world than Aruba to be a coach at, “said Oniji. 

There are rumors that a new hitting coach will be hired in Aruba too, that will excite the fanbase.  Stay tuned…..