Japanese baseball legend dies aged 89

Former baseball player Shigeo Nagashima, who was once one of the most famous sports stars in Japan, died at the age of 89.

He died of pneumonia in a Tokyo hospital, according to a statement published by his former team The Yomiuri Giants.

Nicknamed Mr. Giants, Nagashima won nine consecutive titles with the team in the 1960s and 70s, playing in 2,186 games and hitting 444 circuits.

Commenting on his death, a government spokesman said Nagashima had given society “dreams and shiny hopes”.

Its capacities – and its charm – made it popular, in an era of growing economic prosperity and increasing confidence in Japan.

“He taught me a lot. I am grateful to have been able to play with him,” said his former teammate, Sadaharu Oh. Oh, 85, still holds the world record for hitting the most circuits, and together, known as “On”, they were a deadly team on the field.

Shohei Ohtani, who is currently one of the most famous baseball in Japan and plays for dodgers, published photos of him with Nagashima on his Instagram page.

“May your soul rest in peace,” wrote the 30 -year -old player.

Nagashima, who also had the nickname of Mr. Pro Baseball, struck a winning home run during the very first professional baseball match in the presence of the Japanese emperor in 1959.

He retired in 1974 after a career as a 17 -year -old – winning the title of the central league six times.

Nagashima also helped the giants win two titles from the Japan series on 15 seasons as a manager.

The chief secretary of the country’s cabinet, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said that Nagashima was “a sunny person”.

“He left so many brilliant records in the world of professional baseball for many years and has given brilliant dreams and hopes to society as a national star,” he said.