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Giant BabaJapanese wrestler and promoter
Date of Birth: 23.01.1938
Country:  Japan |
Content:
Early Life and Baseball Career
Shohei Baba was born on January 23, 1938, in Sanjo, Niigata, Japan. Despite his small stature as a child, Baba experienced an incredible growth spurt, reaching a height of 5'9" (175 cm) by the fifth grade and eventually suffering from gigantism. However, he excelled in baseball, becoming a star pitcher for his local team. After graduating elementary school, Baba enrolled in Sanjo Business High School, majoring in mechanical engineering.
Upon entering high school, Baba's baseball career was cut short due to his continued rapid growth, reaching 6'3" (190 cm) at age 16. However, he joined the art club and was later invited back to the baseball team after custom-made cleats were ordered for him. Baba impressed by striking out 18 batters in a practice game, attracting attention from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) scouts. In 1954, he met with Hidetoshi Genkawa of the Yomiuri Giants, who offered him a chance to leave high school and join the team full-time. Baba accepted and began pitching for the Giants in January 1955, wearing jersey number 59.
Wrestling Career
All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)In 1972, Baba founded All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). Under his leadership, AJPW became one of the most successful wrestling promotions in Japan, showcasing legendary wrestlers like Jumbo Tsuruta, Toshiaki Kawada, and Mitsuharu Misawa. Baba himself competed in some of AJPW's most famous matches, including legendary battles against Giant Baba and Stan Hansen.
Baba's in-ring accomplishments were remarkable. He was a seven-time winner of the AJPW Champion Carnival, a four-time PWF Heavyweight Champion, a three-time NWA International Heavyweight Champion, and a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Other Accomplishments
Outside of AJPW, Baba also competed in various other promotions worldwide, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He held numerous championships, including the WWWF International Tag Team Championship with Killer Khan.
Personal Life
Baba's personal life was relatively private. Though not known for excessive drinking, he possessed an extraordinary alcohol tolerance. He married Motoko Kawai in 1971 and developed a close relationship with his protégé, Atsushi Onita. Despite not having children of his own, Baba and his wife considered Onita as one of their own.
Death
In January 1999, Baba was hospitalized and bedridden. He wrestled his final match on January 22, as Toshiaki Kawada defeated Mitsuharu Misawa for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. Nine days later, on January 31, 1999, Baba passed away from liver failure at the age of 61. He had kept his diagnosis of colon cancer a secret for over a year, not wanting to cause concern.
Baba's funeral was delayed due to the difficulty in finding a coffin large enough to accommodate his body. A public memorial service was held at the Nippon Budokan on April 17, 1999, with over 28,000 people in attendance. His body was later cremated, and his grave is located at Honmatsuji Temple in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture.
Legacy
Shohei Baba is remembered as one of the greatest Japanese wrestlers of all time. His popularity in Japan rivaled that of Hulk Hogan in the United States. He was a national hero, ranking 92nd among the greatest Japanese figures in history in a 2006 public vote. Baba's in-ring accomplishments, business acumen, and personal qualities continue to inspire generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
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