Shigeo Nagashima: Japanese baseball legend dies 89 years old

Former baseball player Shigeo Nagashima, who was once one of the most famous sports stars in Japan, died at 89-1959 years.

He died of pneumonia in a hospital in Tokyo, according to a statement from his former team The Yomiuri Giants.

Nicknamed Mr Giants, Nagashima won nine consecutive titles with the team in the sixties and 70s, played in 2,186 games and hit 444 home runs.

A commentary on his death, a government spokesperson said that Nagashima had given society “clear dreams and hope”.

His ability – and charm – made him popular, in a time of increasing economic prosperity and growing faith in Japan.

“He taught me a lot of things. I am grateful that I was able to play with him,” said his former teammate, Sadaharu Oh, said. Oh, 85, still has the world record for touching most home runs, and together, known as “On”, they were a deadly team on the field.

Shohei Ohtani, who is currently one of the most famous baseball players in Japan, and plays for the La Dodgers, posted photos of herself with Nagashima on his Instagram page.

“May your soul rest in peace,” wrote the 30-year-old.

Nagashima, who also had the nickname MR Pro Baseball, made a winning home run at the very first professional baseball match attended by the Japanese emperor in 1959.

He retired in 1974 after a 17 -year -old gaming career -winning the central league -Batting title six times.

Nagashima also helped the Giants to win two Japanese series titles for 15 seasons as their manager.

The main cabinet secretary of the country, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said that Nagashima was “a sunny person”.

“He left so many brilliant records in the world of professional baseball for many years and gave clear dreams and hope to society as a national star,” he said.