Shigeo Nagashima

Doctors at Tokyo Women's Medical University said Nagashima underwent CT scans, and had experienced numbness on the right side of his body.

Nagashima, popularly known as "Mr. Giants" for his dazzling fielding as a third baseman for the Yomiuri Giants and enduring charismatic presence, was hospitalized March 4 after his driver found him ill at his home.

Nagashima played for the Giants through the 1958-1974 seasons and managed the team between 1975 and 1980, and from 1993 to 2001.

Nagashima guided the national team to victories over South Korea and Taiwan at the Asian Championships in November to secure a spot for Japan in the Athens Summer Olympics. Japan is one of the favorites for the gold medal.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 13, 2004
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