Japanese Baseball Legend Shigeo Nagashima Dies at 89

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers star, led tributes to Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima, who passed away at age 89. Nagashima, known as "Mr. Pro Baseball," was a revered figure in Japan, playing for the Yomiuri Giants and helping popularize baseball in the country from 1958 to 1974. He formed a legendary duo with Sadaharu Oh and won nine consecutive Japan Series titles, becoming a symbol of Japan's post-war resurgence and a national icon. Ohtani, who recently met Nagashima during a Dodgers series in Tokyo, expressed his condolences on Instagram, honoring Nagashima's profound impact on the sport and its fans. Nagashima's career achievements include six Central League batting titles, two home run king titles, and 444 home runs in 2,186 games, cementing his legacy in Japanese baseball history. His passing has resonated beyond baseball, inspiring tributes from other public figures and fans worldwide.