Shigeo Nagashima, one of Japan’s most celebrated baseball players, passed away at the age of 89 from pneumonia, the Yomiuri Giants announced in a statement. The legendary athlete died in a Tokyo hospital, marking the end of an era for Japanese sports.
Known as “Mr. Giants” and “Mr. Pro Baseball,” Nagashima led the Yomiuri Giants to nine consecutive titles during the 1960s and 70s. Over his 17-year career, he played in 2,186 games, smashing 444 home runs and securing the Central League batting title six times. His crowning moment came in 1959 when he hit a game-winning home run during the first professional baseball game attended by a Japanese emperor.
Nagashima retired in 1974 but continued to shape the sport, guiding the Giants to two Japan Series titles over 15 seasons as manager.Tributes poured in following the news of his passing. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described Nagashima as “a sunny person” who “left so many brilliant records in the world of professional baseball for many years and gave bright dreams and hopes to society as a national star.”
Sadaharu Oh, Nagashima’s former teammate and the world record holder for the most home runs, expressed gratitude for their time together. “He taught me lots of things. I’m grateful to have been able to play with him,” the 85-year-old said. The duo, famously known as “O-N,” dominated the field during their era.
Current baseball star Shohei Ohtani, a standout for the LA Dodgers, honored Nagashima on Instagram, sharing photos of the two together. “May your soul rest in peace,” the 30-year-old wrote.
Nagashima’s charisma and skill captivated fans during a time of growing economic prosperity and confidence in Japan, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport and beyond.