Masayori Shimura

Masayori Shimura (志村 正順)

• School Meiji University
• Born: October 2, 1913 in Arakawa, Tokyo, Japan
• Died: December 1, 2007

Biographical Information

Masayori Shimura was the long time broadcaster for Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK - Japan Broadcasting Corporation). Shimura was the announcer in Eiji Sawamura's debut game on November 29, 1936. He also broadcast the very first game following World War II.

Shimura covered the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. On the way back, he made a side trip to Yankee Stadium where he was very impressed with the color commentary being done by Joe DiMaggio. In 1955, he introduced the concept into Japanese broadcasting by having Tokuro Konishi give commentary while he delivered play-by-play. Shimura retired in 1969.

Shimura also wrote popular monthly articles for the children's magazine Yakyu Shonen (Baseball Kids).

Shimura was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. He was quoted as saying that it was the most wonderful day in his 91 year life.