Baseball might be America’s pastime, but Japan takes it just as seriously. Need proof? Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani is arguably the best and most versatile player since Babe Ruth. And long before Ohtani started playing both sides of the inning, Shigeo Nagashima spent the 1960s and 70s pitching, hitting, and then managing for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants. Nagashima passed away earlier this year, and now, as part of a tribute game, the Giants are teaming up with Nike for an exclusive “FOR3VER GIANT” Air Force 1 Low.
Nagashima, nicknamed “Mr. Pro Baseball” and “Mr. Giant,” has been a legend in Japan on and off the diamond since his professional debut in 1958. He played his entire career for the team, becoming the manager just a month after his retirement in 1974.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
