TOKYO, Jun 09 (News On Japan) –
Shigeo Nagashima, identified affectionately as “Mr. Skilled Baseball,” was remembered at his funeral in Tokyo on June eighth, following his loss of life from pneumonia on June third at age 89.
The ceremony was attended by a bunch of baseball legends and protégés, together with longtime teammate Sadaharu Oh, 85, and former participant Hideki Matsui, 50, who paid their remaining respects to the enduring determine who helped form postwar Japanese baseball.
Nagashima’s portrait was accompanied by the acquainted Yomiuri Giants brand and his completely retired quantity 3 jersey, capturing his ever-cheerful smile. Among the many attendees had been members of the Giants’ historic “V9” period—a run of 9 consecutive league championships—and gamers he mentored throughout his time as supervisor.
The primary to ship a eulogy was Oh, Nagashima’s lifelong pal and fellow slugger from the “ON Cannon” period, who recalled their early days with humor and affection.
“Shigeo Nagashima, I by no means imagined the day would come so quickly after I would learn a eulogy for you. You had been the pleasure of Japan itself. And but, I induced you a lot bother,” mentioned Oh. “Throughout our rookie coaching camp in Miyazaki, we had been assigned to the identical room. I used to be clueless—couldn’t clear, couldn’t fold the futon, and on high of that, I snored terribly. You didn’t complain as soon as, even after they moved me out after only a week. To me, you had been a very atypical man. These 60-plus years we spent collectively had been irreplaceable.”
Matsui, one in all Nagashima’s most devoted disciples, mirrored on their numerous late-night swing practices, recalling how only a look from his former supervisor nonetheless made him instinctively brace for a command.
“Coach, there’s no swing observe right this moment, proper?” Matsui started, drawing light laughter. “Once I look into your eyes, I nonetheless really feel such as you’re about to say, ‘Seize the bat! We’re beginning now!’ However greater than something, I want I might hear your voice once more. Each time you stepped onto the sector, you radiated gentle. Once we practiced collectively, you became ‘Batman Shigeo Nagashima.’ I couldn’t cease crying on the day you stepped down as supervisor. You mentioned, ‘Why are you crying? Wipe your tears and hold swinging.’ I can by no means escape Shigeo Nagashima—and that’s my happiness.”
Matsui concluded his tribute by vowing to hold ahead the legacy his coach left behind.
“Each time I returned to Japan, I’d at all times go to you. Even while you had a lot to say however mentioned nothing, I might nonetheless really feel it. I’ll hold asking myself why you gave me a lot. I gained’t allow you to slip away. So right this moment, I gained’t say ‘Thanks’ or ‘Goodbye.’ Please hold lighting the way forward for the Giants, and of Japanese baseball, with that good gentle of yours.”
Supply: FNN
