Former Japanese professional baseball slugger Sachio Kinugasa of the Hiroshima Carp has died. He was 71.

Kinugasa earned the nickname "Tetsujin," or "Iron Man," for playing with injuries -- even broken bones.

He started his professional career in 1965. From 1970 to 1987, he played in 2,215 consecutive games, surpassing the world record held by Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees.

He retired in 1987 and became the second baseball player to receive a People's Honor Award.

His world record was broken by Cal Ripken of the Baltimore Orioles in 1998. But he still holds the Japanese record.

During his 20-year career, Kinugasa rapped out 2,543 hits, 504 home runs and contributed to his team's 5 league championships and one Japan Series title. He also was hit by a pitch 161 times.

After retiring, Kinugasa worked as a baseball commentator, and was adored by many for his cheerful manner.

He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.

Source: ANNnewsCH