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.
There have been lots of talking points in World Series slugger Hideki Matsui's major league career.Interpreter Roger Kahlon has been there to translate them all.
Publ.Date : Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:06:00 GMTSome fans of World Series MVP Hideki Matsui showed their support of their favorite player at the start of the Yankees victory parade.
Publ.Date : Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:11:02 GMTHideki Matsui is front-page news and not just here. He is the big story in Japan, adorning the front pages of many papers there Thursday. "Win or lose, he is front-page material," said Tadashi Watanabe, who writes for the Japanese equivalent of the Assoc.
Publ.Date : Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:04:00 GMT
Full Hideki Matsui News
Hideki Matsui earned the nickname Godzilla in Japan because of his powerful bat.
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