About Hideki:

Hideki Matsui has been a dominant presence at the plate since his high school days in Japan.  At Seiryo High School, the slugger made four appearances in Japan’s National High School Championship game.  In one second-round game, Matsui’s 60 regular-season homeruns scared the opposing pitcher so much that he walked the hitter all five times he stepped to the plate.

After high school, “Japan’s Team” the Yomiuri Giants chose Matsui with the first pick in the draft.  Originally, Matsui wanted to play for the Hanshin Tigers, but his campaign with the Giants was a productive one.  He won three RBI and homerun titles and three Central League MVP awards.

The Yankees began courting the power hitter.  Matsui donned the pinstripes in 2003 after nine seasons with the Giants, and he played well in his “rookie” season in New York.  The Giants maintain a close relationship with the Yankees.  Yomiuri plans to loan Matsui’s services to New York for a few seasons before bringing the star back to Japan.

United States Stats