Baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima died at the age of 89

Baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima died at the age of 89

Tokio, Japan - Shigeo Nagashima, a legend of the Japanese baseball, died at the age of 89, as the Yomiuri Giants from Tokio confirmed. Nagashima, who is known as "Mr. Pro Baseball", leaves an extensive legacy in the sports world. Between 1965 and 1973 he had a significant influence on the success of the Giants, which won the Japan Series nine times in a row. After his active career, he worked as a coach from 1974 and led the team to the championship again in the 1990s.

his death was announced by the media in special editions that were distributed on street corners. While Japan's government representative Yoshimasa Hayashi Nagashima's contribution to hopes and dreams in society, many reminded of his role as one of the last torchbearers at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

a life's work in baseball

Nagashima began his active career in baseball with a permanent place at the Yomiuri Giants, where he played from 1958 to 1974. After a stroke, he could not realize his dream in 2004 to look after the Japanese national team at the Olympic Games in Athens. Despite health restrictions, he remained true to the baseball, most recently he appeared on November 24, 2023 at the "Giants Fanfesta" in the Tokyo Dome. There, in a wheelchair, he interacted with current players and was optimistic about the next season when he announced: "We will win safely", and so that the fans enthusiastically drawn attention to.

baseball in Japan: A social mirror

baseball has a tradition of over 150 years in Japan, which shows up both in the professionalism of the leagues as well as the Nippon Professional baseball, as well as in the passionate support of the fans. Baseball is not only a sport, but also a reflection of society. The monthly games are transmitted live on television or radio almost every day, and fans have developed a sophisticated system of choreographies and chants that shape the atmosphere in the stages.

The sporting discipline is already being funded in schools and universities. Children grow up in a culture in which both amateur and professional sports are closely linked. This cultural link is also reflected in the values ​​of respectful dealings and teamwork. Players show determination and discipline, which is already signaled by bald heads in the youth area.

The popularity of the high school baseball, especially in the Koshien tournaments, is enormous and the goal of many young talents. The early end of tournaments, such as spring coshium due to pandemic, was a serious loss of public enthusiasm and the commitment to sport. Nevertheless, baseball remains an integral part of everyday life in Japan, which offers hope and community.