The “Nagashima Gate” is seen at an entrance to Tokyo Dome in the capital’s Bunkyo Ward on June 3, 2025, where people were seen making a tribute to him upon his passing. (Mainichi/Yoshiyuki Hirakawa)


Shigeo Nagashima, former player and manager of Japan’s Yomiuri Giants professional baseball team, has died aged 89. The legend of the sport thrilled baseball fans with his splendid performances as a player and lifted the spirits of people with his cheerful personality. He was a superstar who gained national popularity.


Nagashima joined the Giants from Rikkyo University with great fanfare and earned numerous titles including best batter. Alongside fellow Giant Sadaharu Oh, who became the “world’s home run king,” the two were dubbed the “ON duo” from their initials, building the Giants’ golden age and helping the team clinch nine consecutive Japan Series titles.


Nagashima’s presence is etched in people’s memories.


During a game in 1959 attended by then Emperor Hirohito (posthumously known as Emperor Showa), Nagashima blasted a “sayonara” walk-off homer, a legendary feat still talked about today. The bigger the stage was, the greater his performance was, meeting people’s expectations.


He was called a “man on fire” for his performances full of fighting spirit. His unique style, such as swinging away with his helmet flying off his head as well as making the handling of a plain grounder look like a fine play, also delighted fans.


Nagashima was active as a player just when Japanese society was experiencing rapid economic growth. With the spread of televisions, pro baseball became a leading pastime for the people of Japan. His outstanding performances drew attention from people throughout the country.









Shigeo Nagashima addresses spectators after his last official game as a professional player, at Korakuen Stadium in Tokyo on Oct. 14, 1974. (Pool photo)


He made a slew of impressive remarks. During a ceremony marking his retirement as a professional player, he uttered, “Our Giants will live forever,” becoming an iconic scene of the Showa era (1926-1989). During his days as Giants manager, his phrase “make drama,” used to inspire players, was selected as a buzzword of 1996 after the Giants clinched the Central League title in a dramatic upset.


He also devoted himself to fostering the next generation. His mentoring relationship with Hideki Matsui, who later also excelled in Major League Baseball, is particularly well known, and both received the People’s Honor Award.


Nagashima became the first pro baseball figure to receive the Order of Culture for his achievements of making baseball a national sport. His unpretentious manner when appearing in TV programs and commercials was familiar to people beyond baseball fans.


In 2004, he suffered a stroke ahead of the Athens Olympics. At that time, he was manager of Japan’s national baseball team, but could not lead the squad in the Games.


He made a comeback after working hard on rehabilitation, and served as a torchbearer during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 while being assisted by Oh and Matsui.


“The sport of baseball is life itself” was a phrase he is said to have written when signing autograph boards.


His life, deserving the nickname “Mr. Pro Baseball,” will be engraved in people’s hearts for many years to come.