Shohei Ohtani Sends 6-Word Message After Sad News on Monday
Shohei Ohtani Sends 6-Word Message After Sad News on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The country of Japan has produced some of baseball's greatest players. From Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, many of MLB's most exciting talents began their professional careers in Japan.
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While Major League Baseball has benefitted greatly from Japan's contributions to the game, not every Japanese baseball legend played professionally in the United States. One of these players is Shigeo Nagashima, who spent his 17 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, first rising to superstardom in the late 1950s.
On Monday, it was reported by several outlets, including the Japan Times, that Nagashima passed away at the age of 89.
"Shigeo Nagashima, a Yomiuri Giants legend who was so revered that he was known to many as 'Mr. Pro Baseball,' died on Tuesday due to pneumonia at the age of 89, according to an announcement by the Yomiuri Shimbun," the Japan times wrote on Monday.
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Many across the baseball world have been mourning Nagashima's passing, including Ohtani who posted a message on his Instagram page.
"May your soul rest in peace," he wrote in Japanese (translated to English by Instagram).
Many filled the comments with their condolences for Nagashima's family and all who were touched by his legacy.
"Another great baseball man has passed away 😢 RIP," one fan wrote.
"Please pray for the soul of Shigeo Nagashima 🙏," one added.
"The historical greats who supported Japanese baseball! Rest in peace," said another.
"A superstar has passed," another wrote. "Rest in peace."
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"Rip Legend," another added.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Two of the photos Ohtani shared were from this season's opening series in Tokyo, Japan. The Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series that gave the passionate baseball fans in Tokyo an opportunity to see some of the game's biggest Japanese stars up close.
Based on several reports, Nagashima passed away in Japan on Tuesday, with Ohtani and those in the United States receiving the news on Monday, as there is a 16-hour time difference between Japan and Los Angeles.
As Ohtani's message and the many comments show, Nagashima was a legend of the game who will be missed.
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Related: Mets Star Francisco Lindor Sends 7-Word Message Before Dodgers Game
Related: Yankees Announce Move After 18-2 Loss to Dodgers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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