Baseball legend Shohei Ohtani pays respects as Hiroshi Hasegawa, Japan's renowned 'Mr. Pro Baseball', passes away at 89.
Living Legend of Japanese Baseball, Shigeo "Mr. Pro" Nagashima, Bids Farewell
Dubbed as the epitome of professional baseball in Japan, the immortal Shigeo Nagashima, and his colossal impact on the sport can't be overstated. A star player for the beloved Yomiuri Giants, he dominated the scene for an impressive 17 years.
Nagashima's outstanding partnership with the record-breaking home run king, Sadaharu Oh, significantly contributed to making baseball the undisputed favorite pastime in Japan. The extraordinary batting prowess of the duo raised hearts and hopes in war-torn Japan during the post-World War II era, as families gathered around their clunky black-and-white TVs to catch a glimpse of the action.
With his larger-than-life persona, charisma that was as infectious as it was effortless, Nagashima skyrocketed to be a beloved public figure, embodying a newfound sense of confidence in a modernizing Japan. He etched himself in history with a heroic walk-off home run in the very first professional game ever graced by the presence of Japan's emperor, back in 1959.
In a touching tribute, Sadaharu Oh, with his massive 9.5 million Instagram followers, honored Nagashima by expressing, "Farewell, dear friend." Meanwhile, his former teammate, now 85, expressed shock at the loss, fondly reminiscing, "The brilliant records Nagashima left in the world of professional baseball will live on for years. I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to play with him."
Retiring in 1974, Nagashima boasted a stellar career, having won the Central League batting title six times and the home run crown on two occasions. In total, he took part in a remarkable 2,186 games, smashing an impressive 444 home runs. He also had a stint as the Giants' manager, amassing two Japan Series titles over 15 seasons.
The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary honored Nagashima as a "Sunny person" who left an indelible mark on society with his illustrious career, serving as a national sports icon before the emergence of later star athletes like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani.
Rest in peace, Mr. Pro, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
© 2025 AFP
In the world of professional sports, the impact of Nagashima, a legendary figure in baseball, cannot be overstated. His partnership with the record-breaking home run king, Oh, significantly contributes to the popularity of football and baseball in Japan.
