The Japanese baseball legend died at 89 years old

Former baseball player Shigeo Nagashima, who was once one of the most famous sports stars in Japan, died at the age of 89.

He died of pneumonia at a hospital in Tokyo, according to a statement published by his former team The Yomiuri Giants.

Pseudocel d -n Giants, Nagashima won nine straight titles with the team in the 1960s and 70s, playing in 2186 games and hitting 444 home tracks.

Commenting on his death, a government spokesman said Nagashima gave the public a “bright dreams and hopes”.

His ability – and his charm made him popular at the time of increasing economic prosperity and increasing trust in Japan.

“He has taught me a lot.

Shohei Otani, who is currently one of the most famous basements in Japan and plays for La Dodgers, posts photos of himself with Nagashima on his Instagram page.

“Let your soul rest in peace,” the 30-year-old writes.

Nagashima, which also had the nickname G -H Pro Baseball, a famous hit the defeated home start to the first professional baseball game in history, attended by the Japanese emperor, in 1959.

He retired in 1974. After a 17 -year playing career – winning the Central League title six times.

Nagashima also helped Giants win two Japan series titles in 15 seasons as their manager.

The chief secretary of the cabinet in the country Yoshimasa Hayashi said Nagashima was a “sunny man”.

“He has left so many brilliant records in the world of professional baseball for many years and gave bright dreams and hopes to society as a national star,” he said.