Latest news with #NagashimaShigeo
NHK
2 days ago
- General
- NHK
Ex-Major Leaguer Matsui pays condolence visit to mentor Nagashima
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.
3 days ago
- Sport
End of a Baseball Era: 'Mister' Nagashima Shigeo Dies at 89
Japanese pro baseball legend Nagashima Shigeo passed away of pneumonia on June 3, 2025. He was 89 years old. Nagashima was born in 1936 in Sakura, Chiba. He attended Rikkyō University, where he made a name for himself by hitting eight home runs—then a record—in play through 1957 among the six Tokyo universities making up the local college league, as well as being chosen as third baseman on the 'best nine' league all-stars for five seasons straight (at the time Japanese schools played two seasons a year, in spring and fall). In 1958 he made his way to the pros, joining the Yomiuri Giants and promptly being named Rookie of the Year for his batting prowess, which saw him lead the Central League in home runs (29) and runs batted in (92). Nagashima Shigeo: Pro Career Stats Position: Third baseman (bats right, throws right) Games played: 2,186 At bats: 8,094 Hits: 2,471 Home runs: 444 RBIs: 1,522 Batting average: .305 (Data from the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum) Nagashima Shigeo, at right, with Giants teammate Oh Sadaharu (date unknown). (© Jiji) Nagashima was a fan favorite for his powerful hitting and flashy fielding alike. Pairing with the slugger Oh Sadaharu as part of the 'ON Cannon,' he was a key contributor to the Giants during the team's nine straight Japan Series championships from 1965 to 1973. During his 17 years in professional play, Nagashima took the batting crown six times, the home run title twice, and led in RBIs five times. Achievements and Awards Batting title: 6 times Most hits: 10 times Most home runs: 2 times Most RBIs: 5 times Rookie of the Year (1958) MVP: 5 times Named to 'Best Nine' all stars: 17 times Golden Glove award: 2 times Shōriki Matsutarō Award (1994) Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (1988) People's Honor Award (2013) Order of Culture (2021) (Data from the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and ) Nagashima Shigeo ends his last game as a Giant with a retirement ceremony at Kōrakuen Stadium, Tokyo, on October 14, 1974. (© Jiji) Nagashima Shigeo leaves the field for the last time as a player on October 14, 1974. (© Jiji) 'The Giants are forever immortal,' stated Nagashima at his retirement ceremony, held at Tokyo's Kōrakuen Stadium on October 14, 1974. Showing his own dedication to the team where he had spent all 17 of his pro seasons, he went on to manage the Yomiuri squad for a total of 15 seasons, leading them to five Central League pennants and two Japan Series championships during that time. He became the third-winningest manager in Japanese baseball history, with 1,034 wins. In 1988 his achievements as a player and manager secured him a spot in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. He was recognized by the government of Japan in 2013 with the People's Honor Award and in 2021 with the Order of Culture, the first ever bestowed on a baseball player. (Originally written in Japanese on June 3, 2025. Banner photo: Nagashima Shigeo visits an exhibition held in Minato, Tokyo, to commemorate seven decades of postwar sports journalism on March 3, 2018, noting, 'I think I might have struck out in this at bat.' © Jiji.)
NHK
3 days ago
- General
- NHK
Japanese pro baseball legend Nagashima Shigeo dies
Japanese pro baseball legend Nagashima Shigeo has died at the age of 89. He was known as "Mr. Giants."
