Shigeo Nagashima, the celebrated third baseman of the Yomiuri Giants known as the “Burning Man” and “Mr. Giants,” died on the morning of the 3rd at the age of 89. He showed unmatched clutch power on the big stage—including a dramatic walk-off home run in a game attended by the Emperor—and enjoyed nationwide popularity that went beyond baseball fans.
After retiring as a player he managed the Giants for two terms totaling 15 years. In January 2003 he became manager of the Japan national team aiming for the Athens Olympics, but suffered a cerebral infarction in March 2004. He recovered through determined rehabilitation and, in May 2013, received the People’s Honor Award together with his beloved pupil Hideki Matsui.
That July, Nagashima watched a first-round game of the 84th Intercity Baseball Tournament (organized by The Mainichi Newspapers and others)—the pinnacle of corporate amateur baseball—at Tokyo Dome. Watching pregame practice from the field, he said, “I used to play baseball here. It’s still wonderful. I just found myself walking out.” He also called on baseball people: “Baseball really is good. Let’s all make Japanese baseball stronger.”