Early life and career Marty Kuehnert grew up in
Los Angeles,
California, and later graduated from
Stanford University. While at Stanford, he participated in an
exchange student program at
Keio University in
Tokyo, Japan. While in Japan, Kuehnert met Tsuneo Harada who soon asked him to be the
general manager of the
Lodi Orions, a Class A
Minor League team in the
California League and the first Japanese-owned professional franchise in North America. Kuehnert ran the team for two seasons, during which he was named the 1973 California League Executive of the Year. He later went on to be the president and part-owner of another Minor League team, the
Birmingham Barons.
Nippon Professional Baseball career After Kuehnert ran the Lodi Orions, he returned to Japan in 1974 and became the director of sales and promotions for the
Taiheiyo Club Lions, a
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team based in Fukuoka. While in Japan, Kuehnert continued to excel in sports management and commentary. He went on to write several books, was a sports journalist for major Japanese newspapers, and had his own TV show. Following a 6–22 start, just over a month into the season, the Eagles removed Kuehnert as general manager and demoted to the role of an advisor.
Other activities Kuehnert was the vice-president of
Sendai University, a school that focuses on preparing students to become coaches. He also taught sports management and sports media classes at Sendai University and
Tohoku University. ==References==