TOKYO (AP) - Shigeo Nagashima, known in Japan as "Mr. Pro Baseball," has passed away at the age of 89. The Yomiuri Giants, the team that he significantly contributed to and later managed, confirmed his death on Tuesday. His passing was notably highlighted in special extra editions of newspapers distributed at street corners, reminiscent of how breaking news was shared in previous eras.

Nagashima's fame emerged in an era preceding the international stardom of Japanese baseball players like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani, who later made notable impacts in Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America. According to Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Nagashima "gave bright dreams and hopes to the society," underlining his influence on Japanese culture and sports.

During his illustrious career, Nagashima was instrumental in leading the Yomiuri Giants to an impressive nine consecutive Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973, a record that remains a highlight in Japanese baseball history. His famed teammate, Sadaharu Oh, further accentuated this era, having achieved a historic 868 home runs throughout his career.

Nagashima, who played as a third baseman, concluded his playing career with an exceptional .305 batting average, alongside 2,471 hits, 1,522 RBIs, and 444 home runs over 17 seasons, retiring in 1974. Following his retirement, he transitioned into management, taking the helm of the Yomiuri Giants from 1975 to 1980. Although his stint ended after failing to secure a Japan Series title, he returned to manage the team again in 1993 and led the Giants to a championship victory in 1994, notably with star player Hideki Matsui, who would later join the New York Yankees. He also secured another championship in 2000.

Nagashima's journey took a challenging turn in 2004 when he was set to manage Japan during the Athens Olympics but suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, preventing his participation in the event. Throughout his life, he remained a significant character in the world of Japanese baseball, revered not only for his athletic achievements but also for his charismatic presence and the profound impact he had on fans and aspiring players in Japan. His legacy will continue to inspire generations in the realm of baseball, solidifying his status as a true icon in the sports world.

As Japan mourns the loss of Shigeo Nagashima, his contributions to baseball and his role in bringing joy and inspiration to many will be fondly remembered and cherished.