Tokyo, Nov. 12 (Jiji Press)–Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato, who won the batting triple crown in the 2026 regular season in the Central League of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award honoring late baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima on Thursday. The award honors position players who excel in both offense and defense in professional baseball. There are no specific selection criteria. Instead, the award considers plays that captivate fans and contributions to enhancing the cultural value of professional baseball. Sato, 27, became the ninth player in NPB history to win a regular season triple crown, leading the Central League in three major batting categories. He was also recognized for making a strong impression in areas beyond his statistical achievements. Sadaharu Oh, chairman the award’s selection committee, said that Sato’s name will remain in history forever as the first recipient. “It’ll be a send-off gift to Sato, who is going to (play in) the United States,” he also said. The award was established to honor the achievements of Nagashima, a former player and manager of the Yomiuri Giants, who died in June last year. Oh said, “We thought about who Nagashima would be happiest to see receive the award.” The Nagashima award “has a different meaning from other awards,” Oh also said. “I look forward to seeing how it develops in the years to come.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
