Shigeo Nagashima, one of Japan's most celebrated baseball players, has passed away in a Tokyo hospital due to pneumonia. The news was confirmed by his former team, the Yomiuri Giants, where Nagashima earned the nickname "Mr. Giants" for his remarkable achievements during his illustrious career. He was renowned for winning nine consecutive titles with the team in the 1960s and 70s and played in an impressive 2,186 games, hitting a total of 444 home runs.
A government spokesman highlighted Nagashima’s impact, stating that he brought “bright dreams and hopes” to society during a time of rising economic prosperity in Japan. His charm and talent made him a beloved figure, inspiring many, including his former teammate Sadaharu Oh, who expressed his gratitude for having played alongside Nagashima. Oh, who still holds the world record for home runs, reminisced fondly of their time together, where they were affectionately known as "O-N," a formidable duo on the field.
Current baseball star Shohei Ohtani, who now plays for the LA Dodgers, shared his condolences on Instagram, posting photos with Nagashima and writing, "May your soul rest in peace."
Nagashima's journey in baseball began with a bang, famously hitting a winning home run during the first-ever professional baseball game attended by the Japanese emperor in 1959. He retired in 1974 after an impactful 17-year career, securing the Central League batting title six times and guiding the Giants to two Japan Series titles during his 15 years as manager. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi remarked on Nagashima’s personality, describing him as a “sunny person” who left an indelible mark on professional baseball and inspired generations to dream big.
