Background of the Emperor's Game
On June 25, 1959, the Giants-Hanshin game at Korakuen Stadium was held as the first-ever professional baseball game attended by Emperor Showa and Empress. Over 30,000 spectators filled the stadium, with TV ratings exceeding 40% in the Kanto region.
Find books about the Emperor's Game on Amazon
Game Progress and Murayama's Pitching
Hanshin started 23-year-old Minoru Murayama, who would win the ERA title with 1.19 that season. The game featured a pitching duel with lead changes, reaching a 4-4 tie entering the bottom of the ninth.
Nagashima's Walk-Off Home Run
In the bottom of the ninth, Shigeo Nagashima hit a walk-off home run off Murayama's fastball into the left field stands. Nagashima tipped his cap to the Royal Box while rounding the bases. Murayama maintained until his later years that the ball was foul.
Books about the Nagashima-Murayama rivalry are also helpful
Historical Significance
The Emperor's Game symbolized professional baseball's recognition as Japan's national sport. The Nagashima-Murayama rivalry became the embodiment of the Giants-Hanshin Traditional Rivalry, celebrated for over 60 years.