Japanese baseball legend dies aged 89

Michael Bristow

Asia-Pacific editor

Getty Images A photo of Shigeo Nagashima wearing a orange turtle neck jumper and a black leather jacket. He is waving.

Former baseball participant Shigeo Nagashima, who was as soon as considered one of Japan’s most well-known sports activities stars, has died aged 89.

He died of pneumonia at a hospital in Tokyo, in line with a press release launched by his former workforce the Yomiuri Giants.

Nicknamed Mr Giants, Nagashima received 9 straight titles with the workforce within the Nineteen Sixties and 70s, enjoying in 2,186 video games and hitting 444 dwelling runs.

Commenting on his dying, a authorities spokesman mentioned Nagashima had given society “vivid goals and hopes”.

His capacity – and allure – made him widespread, at a time of accelerating financial prosperity and rising confidence in Japan.

“He taught me plenty of issues. I am grateful to have been capable of play with him,” his former teammate, Sadaharu Oh, was quoted as saying. Oh, 85, nonetheless holds the world file for hitting probably the most dwelling runs, and collectively, often known as “O-N”, they have been a deadly workforce on the pitch.

Shohei Ohtani, who’s at the moment considered one of Japan’s most well-known baseballers, and performs for the LA Dodgers, posted pictures of himself with Nagashima on his Instagram web page.

“Might your soul relaxation in peace,” the 30-year-old wrote.

Shigeo Nagashima was a star from his first season with the Yomiuri Giants, and have become a family title throughout his enjoying profession

Getty Images A black and white photograph of Nagashima training on the baseball field. He is wearing the Giants uniform and a baseball cap. — Shigeo Nagashima was a star from his first season with the Yomiuri Giants, and have become a family title throughout his enjoying profession

Nagashima, who additionally had the nickname Mr Professional Baseball, famously hit a profitable dwelling run on the first ever skilled baseball recreation attended by the Japanese emperor, in 1959.

He retired in 1974 after a 17-year enjoying profession – profitable the Central League batting title six instances.

Nagashima additionally helped the Giants win two Japan Sequence titles over 15 seasons as their supervisor.

The nation’s chief cupboard secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, mentioned Nagashima was “a sunny individual”.

“He left so many sensible information on this planet {of professional} baseball for a few years and gave vivid goals and hopes to society as a nationwide star,” he mentioned.