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Kyodo News
a day ago
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Baseball: Hideki Matsui pays final respects to Nagashima at private viewing
KYODO NEWS - 15 hours ago - 18:04 | Sports, All Former Yomiuri Giant and New York Yankee Hideki Matsui visited the home of Shigeo Nagashima on Wednesday to offer condolences following his former manager's death a day earlier. The 50-year-old Matsui had joined Yomiuri after Nagashima -- affectionately called "Mr. Giants," "Mr. Pro Baseball," or oftentimes just "Mister" -- secured negotiating rights to the slugger in the 1992 draft, soon after returning to management. "The biggest thing is gratitude. Without getting to meet him, baseball player Hideki Matsui would have spent a totally different baseball career," Matsui, who had last met Nagashima in early January, said being given the opportunity to see him in repose at his home. "He drew me at the draft. He taught me precious things through his practice swings." Matsui, who currently resides in the United States, flew back to Japan and made the visit early Wednesday morning, staying at the home for over two hours. "I spent the time recalling many memories. I felt as if his mind was still there and he would open his eyes at any moment," said Matsui, who developed into one of the most feared sluggers in Japan under Nagashima's enthusiastic guidance. A charismatic figure, Nagashima rose to stardom during Japan's era of rapid economic growth, helping Yomiuri win nine consecutive Central League and Japan Series titles from 1965. He was the CL batting champion six times, the home run king twice and the RBI leader and the CL MVP five times each. As Giants manager, he won five pennants, including two Japan Series titles, over 15 seasons spanning two stints before leaving the role in 2001. Matsui, nicknamed "Godzilla," won the CL MVP three times and hit 332 home runs for Yomiuri, claiming the CL pennant three times under Nagashima in 1994, 1996 and 2000 and the Japan Series twice in 1994 and 2000. "We've shared many moments, and I feel I'm a really fortunate person," Matsui said. He joined the Yankees in 2003 and had 175 homers over 10 seasons in the majors, becoming the first Japanese player to win the World Series MVP in 2009 when he hit three homers. Nagashima and Matsui both received the People's Honor Award in 2013, bestowed by then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for outstanding achievements in sports, entertainment and other fields. "We made a promise when he was alive," Matsui said without giving away any details. "I want to fulfill that promise." On Tuesday, MLB offered its condolences on X, saying, "We are saddened by the passing of Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima," alongside a photo and a summary of his career achievements. Former Seattle Mariner and U.S. Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki told Kyodo News that Nagashima's impact is unrivaled. "The reason why people above a certain age wanted to become a baseball player was because of Mr. Nagashima's performance, which was always cool," he said. "His service in letting people know about baseball is immeasurable." "More than anything, he had a dignity nobody could imitate." Related coverage: Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima dead at 89 Tributes to Nagashima pour in from Japanese sports world
The Mainichi
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Baseball: Hideki Matsui pays final respects to Shigeo Nagashima at private viewing
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former Yomiuri Giant and New York Yankee Hideki Matsui visited the home of Shigeo Nagashima on Wednesday to offer condolences following his former manager's death a day earlier. The 50-year-old Matsui had joined Yomiuri after Nagashima -- affectionately called "Mr. Giants," "Mr. Pro Baseball," or oftentimes just "Mister" -- secured negotiating rights to the slugger in the 1992 draft, soon after returning to management. "The biggest thing is gratitude. Without getting to meet him, baseball player Hideki Matsui would have spent a totally different baseball career," Matsui, who had last met Nagashima in early January, said being given the opportunity to see him in repose at his home. "He drew me at the draft. He taught me precious things through his practice swings." Matsui, who currently resides in the United States, flew back to Japan and made the visit early Wednesday morning, staying at the home for over two hours. "I spent the time recalling many memories. I felt as if his mind was still there and he would open his eyes at any moment," said Matsui, who developed into one of the most feared sluggers in Japan under Nagashima's enthusiastic guidance. A charismatic figure, Nagashima rose to stardom during Japan's era of rapid economic growth, helping Yomiuri win nine consecutive Central League and Japan Series titles from 1965. He was the CL batting champion six times, the home run king twice and the RBI leader and the CL MVP five times each. As Giants manager, he won five pennants, including two Japan Series titles, over 15 seasons spanning two stints before leaving the role in 2001. Matsui, nicknamed "Godzilla," won the CL MVP three times and hit 332 home runs for Yomiuri, claiming the CL pennant three times under Nagashima in 1994, 1996 and 2000 and the Japan Series twice in 1994 and 2000. "We've shared many moments, and I feel I'm a really fortunate person," Matsui said. He joined the Yankees in 2003 and had 175 homers over 10 seasons in the majors, becoming the first Japanese player to win the World Series MVP in 2009 when he hit three homers. Nagashima and Matsui both received the People's Honor Award in 2013, bestowed by then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for outstanding achievements in sports, entertainment and other fields. "We made a promise when he was alive," Matsui said without giving away any details. "I want to fulfill that promise." On Tuesday, MLB offered its condolences on X, saying, "We are saddened by the passing of Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima," alongside a photo and a summary of his career achievements. Former Seattle Mariner and U.S. Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki told Kyodo News that Nagashima's impact is unrivaled. "The reason why people above a certain age wanted to become a baseball player was because of Mr. Nagashima's performance, which was always cool," he said. "His service in letting people know about baseball is immeasurable." "More than anything, he had a dignity nobody could imitate."
United News of India
2 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Japanese baseball legend Nagashima dies
Tokyo, June 4 (UNI) Former Japanese baseball player Shigeo Nagashima, who was once one of most famous sports stars, has died aged 89. He died of pneumonia at a hospital in Tokyo, according to a statement released by his former team the Yomiuri Giants, BBC reported. Nicknamed Mr Giants, Nagashima won nine straight titles with the team in the 1960s and 70s, playing in 2,186 games and hitting 444 home runs. Commenting on his death, a government spokesman said Nagashima had given society "bright dreams and hopes". His ability - and charm - made him popular, at a time of increasing economic prosperity and growing confidence in Japan. "He taught me lots of things. I'm grateful to have been able to play with him," his former teammate, Sadaharu Oh, was quoted as saying. Oh, 85, still holds the world record for hitting the most home runs, and together, known as "O-N", they were a lethal team on the pitch. Shohei Ohtani, who is currently one of Japan's most famous baseballers, and plays for the LA Dodgers, posted photos of himself with Nagashima on his Instagram page. "May your soul rest in peace," the 30-year-old wrote. Nagashima, retired in 1974 after a 17-year playing career - winning the Central League batting title six times. He also helped the Giants win two Japan Series titles over 15 seasons as their manager. UNI XC GNK
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Baseball Legend Shigeo Nagashima Symbolized Postwar Growth; Inspired Fans With Dazzling Play and Courage Amid Illness
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Shigeo Nagashima is surrounded by children in front of Miyazaki Jingu shrine in Miyazaki in January 1961. As Japan recovered from the devastation of World War II and entered a period of rapid economic growth, a jaunty superstar appeared in the form of professional baseball player Shigeo Nagashima. The nation was charmed by the enthusiasm emanating from his entire body and his bright smiles like sunshine. Nagashima's words and deeds embodied a Japan that was stepping forward into a future full of hope. Nagashima dazzled fans with his batting, which often resulted in dramatic victories, as well as his showy fielding and swift base-running. People of all generations, from children to adults, were enthralled by his energetic performance on the field. He joined the Yomiuri Giants in 1958 and changed the world of professional baseball. Another Giants legend Sadaharu Oh, now chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, might be called 'a king of records' with his career total of 868 home runs. Nagashima, on the other hand, could be called 'a king of memories.' Nagashima's own choice for the best moment of his career took place during a game on June 25, 1959. It was his second year as a pro player, and the game was held at Korakuen Stadium with Emperor Showa in attendance. In the ninth inning against the Hanshin Tigers, Nagashima hit a walk-off home run to win the game. The story of this dramatic hit has been passed down in the annals of Japanese baseball. Nagashima was proud of that moment. 'Baseball is said to have drama, but that was the only game where I reached a much higher level.' That game is believed to have elevated the status of Japanese professional baseball to the national sport. Before that, professional baseball was less popular than the games played by six university teams in Tokyo. In those years, Oh and Nagashima were nicknamed the 'ON cannons,' They were a key part of the Giants winning the Japan Series championship nine years in a row from 1965. The phrase 'Kyojin, Taiho, Tamagoyaki' was synonymous for children's favorite things back then: the Yomiuri Giants, a popular sumo wrestler of the day and a rolled omelet. Japan's gross domestic product saw double-digit increases for five years in a row from 1966. People were said to long for the '3C' consumer products, namely a color TV, an air-conditioner — called 'coolers' in Japan — and a car. The proliferation rate of color TVs rose from only 0.3% in 1966 to 75.8% in 1973, when the Giants won their ninth straight Japan Series championship. Live TV broadcasts of pro baseball games focused on the Giants, and Nagashima was a TV hero called 'Mr. Giants.' The postwar years of rapid economic growth years have been described as the happiest period in history for the Japanese public. Nagashima was undeniably a symbol of those good years. Asked how he felt about being a symbol of that time, Nagashima said it made him happy. 'Personally, I just wanted to play well in games and take professional baseball to higher levels,' he said. Nagashima became seriously ill in March 2004 due to a brain infarction and hovered between life and death. After an arduous rehabilitation process, however, he returned to his social activities. While he was playing, Nagashima rarely let others see his hard work. However, he did not object to newspapers and TV programs showing his struggles in rehabilitation. 'Many people across the nation are suffering from the same illness. I hope they'll be energized [by seeing my struggles],' he said. Patients all over the nation were encouraged by the sight of Nagashima working hard to get better. The story was included in a junior high school textbook, and some students wrote letters to Nagashima. He sent back cards on which he wrote a kanji character meaning 'effort.' In November 2021, Nagashima became the first baseball player to receive the Order of Culture. 'I think this award may be the result of my giving my all to baseball,' he said. Nagashima was a superstar who was close to the people and shared their lives as the era changed from Showa to Heisei to Reiwa. As a result, he was loved by all.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shigeo Nagashima, Japanese baseball legend with ties to the Dodgers, dies at 89
Legendary Yomiuri Giants player and manager Shigeo Nagashima attends an event on Jan. 19, 2008, in Chiba, Japan. Nagashima has died at 89, his former team confirmed Tuesday. (Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images) Former Yomiuri Giants player and manager Shigeo Nagashima, one of the biggest stars of Nippon Professional Baseball, died early Tuesday morning of pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital, his former team said in a statement. He was 89. Nagashima played third base for the Giants from 1958 to 1974. Along with fellow superstar first baseman Sadaharu Oh, Nagashima led the team to 11 Japan Series titles, including nine straight from 1965 to 1973. He retired with a .305 batting average, 2,471 hits, 1,522 RBIs and 444 home runs. Advertisement He was one of Japan's biggest celebrities, so much so that his 1965 marriage to Akiko Nishimura was nationally televised and was reportedly the country's most-watched program of the year. In 1975, Nagashima became the Giants' manager but was fired in 1980 after not leading the team to a Japan Series title. He returned as manager from 1993 to 2001, however, and led the Giants to championships in 1994 and 2000, with future MLB outfielder Hideki Matsui as his star player. Read more: John Brenkus, risk-taking host of 'Sport Science,' dies after battle with depression Current Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani took to Instagram on Tuesday to honor Nagashima. He posted three pictures of the two of them together, including two from the Dodgers' trip to Tokyo in February for two games against the Chicago Cubs. Advertisement 'May your soul rest in peace,' Ohtani wrote in Japanese. Nagashima could have become the first Japanese MLB player, and he could have done so as a member of the Dodgers. In the spring of 1961, the Yomiuri Giants visited Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., to train and play exhibition games. Shigeo Nagashima stands between San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds, left, and New York Mets manager Art Howe at an event in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2002. (David Guttenfelder / Associated Press) Then-Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley is said to have been so impressed with Nagashima — who in the previous season had won the second of what would be six straight batting crowns in Nippon's Central League — that he offered to buy Nagashima's contract from Giants owner Matsutaro Shoriki. Shoriki turned O'Malley down, and pitcher Masanori Murakami ended up becoming the first Japanese MLB player when he debuted with the San Francisco Giants in 1965. Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck also attempted to purchase Nagashima's contract in 1968 but also was thwarted by Shoriki. Advertisement Nagashima maintained a close relationship with the Dodgers and the O'Malley family, particularly with Walter's son Peter, according to Walter O'Malley's website. The Dodgers posted a tribute to Nagashima on X, featuring a photo of the 1988 Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame inductee with legendary Dodgers manager Tom Lasorda. "The Dodgers mourn the passing of Shigeo Nagashima, Japan's 'Mr. Baseball,' who died Tuesday in Tokyo at age 89," the team wrote. "Nagashima became a legend for the Yomiuri Giants, who have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Dodgers from as far back as the 1960s. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and generations of fans." Advertisement Nagashima's wife, Akiko, died in 2007. They had four children, including oldest son Kazushige, a former professional baseball player who played for the Yomiuri Giants and Yakult Swallows in Japan, as well as 53 games for the Class A-Advanced Vero Beach Dodgers minor league affiliate in 1992. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
