RIP
Shigeo Nagashima, affectionately known as “Mr. Professional Baseball” for his indelible mark as both a player and manager in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, passed away at 6:39 a.m. on June 3, 2025, at a Tokyo hospital due to pneumonia. He was 89 years old.
Nagashima joined the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants in 1958 after graduating from Rikkyo University and immediately became a central figure. His powerful hitting, dynamic base running, and graceful fielding quickly propelled him to stardom.
Throughout his illustrious playing career, he accumulated 2,471 hits, 444 home runs, 1,522 RBIs, and maintained a career batting average of .305. He earned six batting titles, five RBI titles, and two home run titles, and was named MVP five times. As a leader of the consistently dominant Yomiuri Giants, he was a pivotal force.
Nagashima’s most notable strength as a hitter was his exceptional performance in clutch situations. He consistently excelled on the biggest stages; his walk-off home run in the 1959 Emperor’s Game remains an iconic moment. Also known as the “Festival Man,” Nagashima delivered outstanding performances in All-Star games and the Japan Series. The more attention a game garnered, the more he thrived under pressure, sharpening his focus and consistently meeting fan expectations.
As the Giants’ manager for 15 seasons, he led the team to 1,034 wins, two Japan Series championships, and five Central League pennants. He is undeniably a legendary manager who shaped a significant era for the Giants.
Yokosuka " Rainy " Johnny 