Toronto Maple Leafs name Burlington’s Takamatsu new field manager

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Published August 18, 2022 at 12:33 pm

Burlington's Garrett Takamatsu is the youngest field manager in Toronto Maple Leafs' franchise history at the age of 24. (CENTRAL OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY PHOTO)

Burlington native Garrett Takamatsu has been named the new field manager of the Intercounty Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 24-year-old, who began this season as a player with the Leafs before signing a professional contract with the Quebec Capitales of the Frontier League in May, replaces Damon Topolie who has held the position since 2013.

Takamatsu becomes the youngest field manager in franchise history. As a player in Toronto, he was named the 2018 IBL Rookie of the Year and was the 2021 IBL Most Valuable Player.

“It will definitely be a new experience for me,” Takamatsu said in a Maple Leafs media release. “Of course, I wish I could help the team on the field considering the injuries that have occurred. Unfortunately, there are some things that are out of my control and I’m happy to still be involved with this great group of guys.

“I wouldn’t have expected to start managing until my career was over, but I’m going to make the best of the situation. I know my presence in the locker room and on the bench will give the team a much-needed boost and a chip on their shoulder heading into the playoffs.”

Topolie, who is Toronto’s vice president of baseball operations and general manager, believes Takamatsu is the right man to take over.

“The fact that (Takamatsu) wanted to say involved in any role that we could offer him shows me his true character and the person that he is,” said Topolie. “He is a fantastic baseball player, but is an even better human being.”

Takamatsu is expected to make his debut in his new role Thursday night when the Leafs travel to Kitchener to take on the Panthers.

 

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