Shohei Ohtani and millions of others are in mourning this week.
Shigeo Nagashima, one of the greatest and most beloved players in Japanese baseball history, died at 89.
Nagashima’s death was confirmed by the Yomiuri Giants, the Nippon Professional Baseball league squad that he both played for and managed during his storied career. He passed away at a hospital in Tokyo while battling pneumonia.
Nagashima was one of the most popular baseball players in the 60s and 70s and had played in 2,186 games, hitting an eye-popping 444 home runs.
He had won nine straight titles in that glory period and was nicknamed “Mr. Giants.” He also had 190 stolen bases and won five Central League Most Valuable Player Awards, including four from 1961-68.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani posted a message honoring Nagashima on his Instagram, complete with a message that roughly translates to “May your soul rest in peace.”
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Nagashima retired in 1974 after a 17-year playing career. He also led the Giants to two Japan Series titles as the team manager.
Fans React To The Message From Shohei Ohtani After The Death of Shigeo Nagashima
“The historical greats who supported Japanese baseball! Rest in peace 💐,” one fan said.
“Mr. Nagase😭. I hope you play lots of baseball in heaven. Rest in peace,” a second fan stated.
“But this is how I got to meet Otani and take a picture together. I’m grateful that both of you exist here, and it’s a miracle to see it 👏 I’m proud as a Japanese person to be able to enter the same world in a time when such a wonderful couple 👏,” a third fan added.
“Ohtani’s home run number 23💖✨👏The moment he hit it, I saw Ohtani scolding home while screaming like Otani, and I thought he was dedicating it to Mr. Shigeo Nagashima💓Thank you❣️,” a fourth fan said of Shohei Ohtani and the legend.
“Mister will forever be immortal! Rest in peace, neh,” one final fan stated.
Also Read: VIDEO: Shohei Ohtani Caught Sleeping In The Dugout During Dodgers Blowout Win Against Yankees
