Before 2001, there were questions whether a Japanese position player could cut it in the major leagues.
Ichiro Suzuki won both the Rookie Of The Year and Most Valuable Player Awards that year, quieting critics with his blazing speed, cannon outfield arm and masterful hitting. The only thing Ichiro lacked was power.
Hideki Matsui proved that Japanese players can come over to the States and slug with the best of them. Perhaps Japan's strongest power hitter since Sadaharu Oh, Matsui won the MVP in 2002, his third time doing so, and just barely missed winning the Triple Crown.
As left fielder for the New York Yankees, Matsui proved to be one of the most reliable, consistent and professional players in the game. Every at bat Godzilla puts in is a tough out, and the man knows how to hit. In 2004, after a year of adjustment, that monsterous power emerged as well.
Starting today, Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon are true free agents - able to field offers from any club, but really waiting to see how much the Yankees want them back. And...
Publ.Date : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:22:12 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui shook the New York Yankees from their lumber slumber and sent the World Series to Philadelphia all tied up.
Publ.Date : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:45:23 GMTHideki Matsui says his "feelings are still with the Yankees" but he doesn't know whether the Bombers will re-sign him. And, Matsui acknowledged, it would be disappointing if he did not play an eighth season in pinstripes.
Publ.Date : Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:21:00 GMT
Full Hideki Matsui News
Hideki Matsui earned the nickname Godzilla in Japan because of his powerful bat.
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