Hiroshi Ohshita (大下 弘 Ōshita Hiroshi, December 15, 1922 – May 23, 1979) was a Japanese professional baseball player. Hall of famer
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Born in Sannomiya Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture on December 15, 1922, His father died in the war when he was in childhood. His family moved to Gaoshun, Taiwan. He grew up in Gaoshun, Taiwan. He graduated from Gaoshun Commercial High School in Taiwan. He was recruited by Mr. Tairiku Watanabe. Mr. Watanabe was graduate of Meiji University. Then, he went back to Japan when he went on to Meiji University. Meiji University has been one of top universities for its academic level in Japan. Also, Meiji University has been famous for baseball. Meiji University has belonged to Tokyo Big Six League. The Tokyo Big Six League consists of six universities, Waseda University, Keio University, Rikkyo University, Hosei University, The University of Tokyo and Meiji University. The league was so popular at that time. He became a member of Meiji University baseball team. During World War II, he was a second lieutenant in the Japanese Imperial Army. He had been trained for the kamikaze attack pilot. But he survived before the taking-off of his airplane because the war ended on August 15, 1945.
He joined the Japanese Professional Baseball League in 1946. He played for the Senators and hit 20 Home Runs. And, he became Home Run King in 1946 season. He occurred huge booms because no professional baseball players had hit such numer of Home Runs before him. Next season, in 1947, the Senators became the Tokyu Flyers. He got Leading Hitter title and Home Run King title in 1947 season. He became a Super Star in Japan after 1947 season. He was so handsome man. Many ladies tried to get him as a boy friend. He was also an idol for children. He would use a blue painted bat. His rival, Tetsuharu Kawakami of the Tokyo Giants would use a red painted bat. He and his rival Tetsuharu Kawakami of Tokyo Giants divided there popularities into two parts. So, people called him blue bat's Ohshita, "AO BATTO NO OHSHITA", red painted bats Kawakami was called "AKA BATTO NO KAWAKAMI" . Ohshita became Leading Hitter in 1950 season again. He got Leading hitter title and Home Run King title in 1951 season . His batting average .383 in 1951 season had been Japanese record for long time. After 1951 season, he was trades to the Nishitetsu Lions in 1952 season. He got 1954 Pacific League MVP. His batting average .321 was on second in 1954 season. His team, the Nishitetsu Lions won the Pacific League Championship in 1954, but lost to Nagoya Chunichi Dragons of Central League Champion on Japan Championship Series. Finally, his team, the Nishitetsu Lions defeated Tokyo Giants, which has been the most traditional team in Japanese Professional League, of Central League Champion, and won Japanese Championship Pennant in 1956, 1957 and 1958. He was Japanese first Hom run batsman in the history of Japanese Professional Baseball. He retired the professional career in 1959. He became batting coach for the Hankyu Braves in 1961 season. But it was just one season. Except for a manager and coach on the ball park, he has been a commentator for professional baseball. He became manager for Tokyo Toei Flyers in 1968 season. There were very famous things when he was manager for the team. He declared that in the team, no signs in a game, no penalty in the team and no curfew in the team. However, despite of his struggles, his team was fell into last place in Pacific League in 1968 season. He was fired by the owner of the team after the season. Again, he took batting coach for the Taiyo Whales in 1974 and 1975 seasons. For many years, he had coached baseball for kids after having left his professional careers.He got cerebral thrombosis in June 1978. He died on May 23, 1979. He was selected Japanese Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980. His tomb is in Wakaba ward Chiba city, Chiba Prefecture in Japan.
as a player
as a batting coach
as a manager