Ex-Major Leaguer Matsui pays condolence visit to mentor Nagashima

NHK

3 days ago

Japanese baseball legend Matsui Hideki has flown in from the United States to offer his condolences following the death of his mentor and fellow legend, Nagashima Shigeo.
Matsui played for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan as well as for some Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Yankees. Soon after arriving in Tokyo early Wednesday, he visited the home of his former mentor.
Nagashima, who died on Tuesday, was the Giants' manager when Matsui joined the team.
In the 1992 draft, Matsui was selected by four professional teams, including the Giants. Nagashima personally drew the winning lot, securing the right to negotiate with him.
Under Nagashima's "1,000-day plan," Matsui received intensive training and evolved into the team's star cleanup hitter. The two spent nine years together as manager and player.
Even after Matsui moved to Major League Baseball and joined the Yankees, their relationship remained strong. Matsui became a powerful slugger, hitting 507 career home runs before retiring.
The two won the People's Honor Award together from the government in 2013.
Matsui spoke to reporters after spending more than 2 hours at Nagashima's home.
Q: How did you spend your time with Nagashima at his home?
A: Nagashima's daughter left the two of us alone. I spent the time reflecting on the many memories we shared.
Q: How did he appear to you?
A: It felt like he might open his eyes at any moment. I sensed a will.
Q: What did you say to him?
A: There was so much, I can't explain it all right now.
But above all, I expressed my deep gratitude. If I hadn't met Nagashima, and if we hadn't had that connection, my career as a baseball player would have been different. It started with that moment in the draft, when he drew my name. I thanked him for all the time we spent together and for everything he gave me.
Q: What did Nagashima mean to you?
A: It's hard to put into a single word. He was one person, but to me, he had many different sides. He gave me so much in so many ways.
Q: What is your most memorable moment with him?
A: It's difficult to pick just one, as our relationship evolved over time, from manager and player, to former manager and player, and later, after we had both retired from baseball.
Q: What do you remember about practicing your swings with him?
A: I spent a lot of time with him doing those sessions. We communicated through swing practice, and it was through those moments that he taught me the most important things about being a baseball player.
I think it was the most fortunate experience for me, and what I'm most grateful for.
Q: How do you hope to carry on his legacy?
A: He gave me so much. I'm not sure yet how I'll pass it on to the next generation, but there is a promise I made to Nagashima. Although I can't share it right now, I hope to fulfill the promise.
Q: When did you last see Nagashima?
A: I met him when I returned to Japan last January.
Q: What was your reaction to the news of his death?
A: I was shocked.