Page "Shigeo Nagashima" Paragraph 4

Nagashima was actually a fan of the Hanshin Tigers, the rival of the Yomiuri Giants, during his childhood.

After graduating from his local high school in Chiba, he entered Rikkyo University, and became the team's regular third baseman.

He won the batting title for two consecutive years in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, and was given the Best Nine Award five seasons in a row at third base.

By his senior year, scouts from every professional team wanted to sign Nagashima, and the Nankai Hawks and Hiroshima Carp were particularly active in recruiting Nagashima.

It was almost decided that he would sign with the Hawks, but he ended up joining the Yomiuri Giants in November, 1957.

He signed with the Giants for 18, 000, 000 yen ; the highest salary for a baseball player at the time.