時事通信社
川相昌弘氏=2003年08月20日
プロ野球、巨人は4月15日、原辰徳監督（56）がインフルエンザB型と診断されたと発表した。同日の試合から監督代行を川相昌弘ヘッドコーチ（50）が務める。時事ドットコムなどが報じた。
原監督は前夜に発熱などの症状を訴え、１５日朝に東京都内の病院で検査を受けた。当面は自宅で療養し、早ければ２１日の広島戦から復帰する。
原監督は球団を通じて「迷惑をかけるが、しっかりと治し、万全の体調で戻りたい」とコメントした。チームでは、川相ヘッドコーチがインフルエンザに９日に感染して復帰したばかりだった。
（時事ドットコム：原監督がインフル＝川相ヘッドが監督代行－プロ野球・巨人 2015/04/15 16:48）
選手時代の原辰徳
選手時代の原辰徳(01 of18)
巨人のユニホームを着て正力亨オーナー（左）、藤田元司監督（右）と握手する原辰徳選手（東京・読売新聞社）\n撮影日1980年12月20日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(02 of18)
▽東海大学時代の原辰徳選手\n撮影日1980年09月22日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(03 of18)
第８回明治神宮野球大会最終日、法大－東海大戦。東海大学の原辰徳選手（東京・神宮球場）\n撮影日1977年11月06日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(04 of18)
巨人軍入団発表の記者会見に臨む原辰徳選手（中央）と松前東海大学総長（右）。左は巨人軍の長谷川代表（東京都千代田区霞が関）\n撮影日1980年12月08日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(05 of18)
巨人、原辰徳婚約発表（東京 羽田東急ホテル）\n撮影日1986年05月09日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(06 of18)
二回表巨人二死二塁、原辰徳が左中間へ２打席連続の１４号２ラン。阪神・山本投手（甲子園球場）\n撮影日1988年06月11日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(07 of18)
八回裏巨人一死満塁、原辰徳が左中間へ両リーグ今季初の満塁本塁打を放つ（東京ドーム）\n撮影日1988年04月09日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(08 of18)
八回裏巨人一死満塁、原辰徳が左中間へ両リーグ今季初の満塁本塁打を放ち国松コーチらに迎えられる（東京ドーム）\n撮影日1988年04月09日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(09 of18)
▽東海大学時代の原辰徳選手\n撮影日1980年09月22日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(10 of18)
阪神を破り、原辰徳内野手（右）を迎える巨人の藤田元司監督（東京ドーム）\n撮影日1989年08月19日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(11 of18)
東海大相模ー堀越、ベンチへ引き揚げる原監督（右）と原辰徳三塁手父子（兵庫県・甲子園球場）\n撮影日1975年04月05日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(12 of18)
東海大相模、原辰徳（右）（三塁手）\n撮影日1976年08月 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(13 of18)
巨人軍、原辰徳結婚式（東京・千代田区の赤坂プリンスホテル）\n撮影日1986年11月27日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(14 of18)
五回裏巨人一死、原辰徳（右）が左越えに１３号ソロ本塁打を放ち、土井正三・三塁コーチと握手（東京・後楽園）\n撮影日1987年06月13日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(15 of18)
東海大相模ナイン。左から２人目が原辰徳（甲子園）\n撮影日1974年08月16日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(16 of18)
東海大相模の原貢監督（左）と原辰徳父子（甲子園）\n撮影日1974年08月12日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(17 of18)
東海大相模の原辰徳（甲子園）\n撮影日1975年08月11日 (credit:時事通信社)
選手時代の原辰徳(18 of18)
巨人、原辰徳のバッティング（東京・後楽園）\n撮影日1984年05月30日 (credit:時事通信社)
コトバンクによると、原辰徳は1958年7月22日生まれ。東海大相模高、東海大で父の故・原貢監督の指導をうけ、「父子鷹」と話題に。1980年、ドラフト1位指名で巨人に入団。新人王、4番打者として活躍し、「若大将」の愛称で親しまれた。
1995年に現役引退。打点王1回、通算打率2割7分9厘、382本塁打、1093打点。2002年より巨人監督を務めている(2003年辞任、2005年再任)。
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メジャーリーガー松井秀喜の軌跡
Hideki Matsui at press conference(01 of594)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 14: Hideki Matsui of Japan being announced as the newest member of the New York Yankees at the Marriott Hotel on January 14, 2003 in New York, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui shows his new number(02 of594)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 14: Hideki Matsui of Japan shows his number at a press conference that announced him as the newest member of the New York Yankees on January 14, 2003 at the Marriott in New York, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
NY Yankees Welcome Hideki Matsui To New York City (03 of594)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 14: Japanese baseball player Hideki Matsui (C) is all thumbs up as he poses with New York Yankees manager Joe Torre (L) and Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens at a news conference introducing Matsui as a new Yankee January 14, 2003 in New York City. Matsui, a three-time MVP with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan\'s Central league, signed a three-year $21million contract with the Yankees (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui is the focus of attention as he is introduced (04 of594)
UNITED STATES - JANUARY 14: Hideki Matsui is the focus of attention as he is introduced by New York Yankees\' Manager Joe Torre at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Matsui, a 28-year-old outfielder and slugger from Japan, has signed a $21 million, three-year contract with the Yanks. \'Today has been one of the happiest days of my life,\' he said through an interpreter. (Photo by Keith Torrie/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
NY Yankees Welcome Hideki Matsui To New York City (05 of594)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 14: Japanese baseball player Hideki Matsui adjusts his hat at a news conference introducing him as a new New York Yankee January 14, 2003 in New York City. Matsui, a three-time MVP with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan\'s Central league, signed a three-year $21million contract with the Yankees (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui, the New York Yankees' latest acquisition, sho(06 of594)
UNITED STATES - JANUARY 14: Hideki Matsui, the New York Yankees\' latest acquisition, shows off his batting style outside the Marriott Marquis in Times Square where he met the media today. Matsui, a 28-year-old outfielder and slugger from Japan, has signed a $21 million, three-year contract with the Yanks. \'Today has been one of the happiest days of my life,\' he said through an interpreter. (Photo by Keith Torrie/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Slugger Hideki Matsui wields his weapon of choice during pic(07 of594)
UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 21: Slugger Hideki Matsui wields his weapon of choice during picture day at the New York Yankees\' spring training camp in Tampa. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui chases down a ball(08 of594)
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees chases down a ball during the MLB spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Legends Field on February 27, 2003 in Tampa, Florida. The Reds defeated the Yankees 9-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Reggie Jackson talks about batting with Hideki Matsui at the(09 of594)
UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 26: Reggie Jackson talks about batting with Hideki Matsui at the New York Yankees spring training camp in Tampa. Jackson called his own news conference to say that he loved his role as the Yankees\' special adviser. He had earned owner George Steinbrenner\'s ire when he was quoted as saying he wanted a larger role in the organization. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manager Joe Torre has a chat with Hideki Matsui, the team's (10 of594)
UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 25: Manager Joe Torre has a chat with Hideki Matsui, the team\'s new slugging hopeful from Japan, at the New York Yankees\' spring training camp in Tampa. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui speaks to media(11 of594)
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees speaks with the Japanese media on February 21, 2003 at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui signs baseballs for the fans at the New York Y(12 of594)
UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 19: Hideki Matsui signs baseballs for the fans at the New York Yankees\' spring training camp in Tampa. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui listens to the National Anthem (13 of594)
TORONTO - MARCH 31: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees listens to the National Anthem before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on March 31, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 8-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui stretches his arms (14 of594)
TORONTO - MARCH 31: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees practices before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on March 31, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 8-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A fan supports Hideki Matsui (15 of594)
TORONTO - MARCH 31: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is supported by a fan during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on March 31, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 8-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui singles (16 of594)
TORONTO - MARCH 31: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles in his first official at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays during a game at SkyDome on March 31, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 8-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui jumps to attempt catch(17 of594)
TORONTO - APRIL 1: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees attempts to catch the ball during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on April 1, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui slides (18 of594)
TORONTO - APRIL 1: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees slides into second base against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on April 1, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui slides into third(19 of594)
TORONTO - APRIL 2: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees slides into third base during the MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Skydome on April 2, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 9-7. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui grounds to first(20 of594)
TORONTO - APRIL 1: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a groud ball to first base against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on April 1, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares to swing(21 of594)
TORONTO - APRIL 1: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares to swing during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on April 1, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits single(22 of594)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 2: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a single against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the second inning of the game on March 2, 2003 at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees won 5-4. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui runs in from left field(23 of594)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 2: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs in from left field during the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on March 2, 2003 at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees won 5-4. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui belts a grand slam to right-(24 of594)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 08: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui belts a grand slam to right-center field in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins, becoming the first Yankee to hit a grand slam in his first game in the Bronx. The Yanks went on to beat the Twins, 7-3, in their home opener. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui tips his helmet as he takes (25 of594)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 08: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui tips his helmet as he takes a curtain call from the dugout after hitting a fifth-inning grand slam. Matsui became the first New York Yankees player to hit a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to beat the Minnesota Twins, 7-3, in their home opener. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui listens to the National Anthem (26 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees listens to the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated Twins 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui runs to third(27 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to third base during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated Twins 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui watches the game (28 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated Twins 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares for the pitch (29 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares for the Minnesota Twins pitch during the game at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated Twins 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui waits for a pitch (30 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for a Minnesota Twins pitch during the game at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated Twins 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits two-run double(31 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a two-run double in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins during the game at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated Twins 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Wells and Matsui celebrate(32 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 10: Pitcher David Wells #33 and right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrate after the Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings at a pitch(33 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 12: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitch during their game at Yankee Stadium on April 12, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Devil Rays 4-3. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
BASEBALL-USA-JPN-MATSUI-FILES(34 of594)
(FILES) This file photo taken on April 16, 2003 shows Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees tossing his bat after hitting a single in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York. Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui, the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 World Series, announced his retirement on December 27, 2012. Matsui, 38, played professional baseball for 20 years -- starring in Japan for a decade before embarking on a 10-year career in the US Major Leagues. AFP PHOTO / FILES / Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui is congratulated by teammate(35 of594)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 12: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui is congratulated by teammates after his single in the ninth inning of game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. Matsui\'s hit drove home teammate Todd Zeile and won the game for the Yanks, 5-4. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings (36 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 17: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Toronto Blue Jays pitch during the game at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 4-0. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a three-run homer in th(37 of594)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 14: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a three-run homer in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Matsui\'s shot gave the Yanks the runs they needed to beat the Jays, 10-9. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui drives in 2 runs(38 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 17: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees drives in 2 runs with a double off of pitcher Doug Creek #39 of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 6th inning at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 4-0. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui is congratulated(39 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is congratulated by teammates after defeating the Anaheim Angels at Edison International Field on April 23, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees defeated the Angels 9-2. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares to swing (40 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares to swing during the MLB game against the Anaheim Angels at Edison International Field on April 23, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 9-2. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui leads off (41 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees leads off during the MLB game against the Anaheim Angels at Edison International Field on April 23, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 9-2. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui RBI single(42 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits an RBI single in the ninth inning against the Anaheim Angels at Edison International Field on April 23, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees defeated the Angels 9-2. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui talks to Scott Spiezio (43 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees talks to Scott Spiezio #23 of the Anaheim Angels during the MLB game at Edison International Field on April 23, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 9-2. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui watches the game (44 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the MLB game against the Anaheim Angels at Edison International Field on April 23, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 9-2. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Fans hold Japanese signs(45 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Japanese fans hold up a sign during the game featuring Japanese players Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees and Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on April 29, 2003 in New York, New York. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 6-0. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui singles(46 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits for a single during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 6, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 12-7. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui warms up(47 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees takes a warm-up throw before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 6, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 12-7. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui stretches(48 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stretches before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 6, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 12-7. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui at bat(49 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stands at bat during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 6, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 12-7. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui runs(50 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 6, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 12-7. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Japanese superstar and New York Yankee H(51 of594)
Japanese superstar and New York Yankee Hideki Matsui runs out an RBI fielder\'s choice in the 4th inning of play against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, 06 May 2003. AFP PHOTO/Dan Levine (Photo credit should read DAN LEVINE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui spends time with his former (52 of594)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 29: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui spends time with his former manager with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Shigeo Nagashima, prior to a game between the Yanks and the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Nagashima managed Matsui from 1993-2001. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui (left) and New York Mets' Ts(53 of594)
UNITED STATES - CIRCA 2002: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui (left) and New York Mets\' Tsuyoshi Shinjo get together at batting practice before start of game between the two teams at Shea Stadium. The Yanks won the Subway Series opener, 5-0. (Photo by James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ichiro and Matsui greet each other(54 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 29: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees and Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners talk before their game April 29, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits(55 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 7: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits the ball during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 7, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a s(56 of594)
New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a single in the fourth inning of the Yankees\' game against the Anaheim Angels at Yankee Stadium in New York 15 May, 2003. AFP PHOTO Henny Ray ABRAMS (Photo credit should read HENNY RAY ABRAMS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui warms up(57 of594)
New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui warms up in the on-deck circle in the fourth inning of the Yankees\' game against the Anaheim Angels at Yankee Stadium in New York 15 May, 2003. AFP PHOTO Henny Ray ABRAMS (Photo credit should read HENNY RAY ABRAMS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui warms up(58 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 9: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Network Associates Coliseum on May 9, 2003 in Oakland, California. The A\'s defeated the Yankees 7-2. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Right fielder Hideki Matsui of the New Y(59 of594)
Right fielder Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees scoops up a hit by Doug Mirabelli of the Boston Red Sox in the 9th inning but is not able to make the out at Fenway Park 21 May, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP PHOTO JOHN MOTTERN (Photo credit should read JOHN MOTTERN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Torre and Matsui talk pregame(60 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 7: Manager Joe Torre and Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees talk during batting practice before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 7, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankee Hideki Matsui lets loose(61 of594)
New York Yankee Hideki Matsui lets loose of his bat after an RBI single during an 8-run third inning against the Seattle Mariners on 08 May of 2003. AFP PHOTO/Dan Levine (Photo credit should read DAN LEVINE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui doubles(62 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a double during the eigth inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 8, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 16-5. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares for the pitch (63 of594)
CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares for the Chicago Cubs pitch during the interleague game at Wrigley Field on June 7, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui waits for the pitch (64 of594)
CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for the Chicago Cubs pitch during the interleague game at Wrigley Field on June 7, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits solo homer(65 of594)
CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits solo home run in the 5th inning, the first hit of the game against pitcher Kerry Wood #34 of the Chicago Cubs, during the interleague game at Wrigley Field on June 7, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui heads for first after connecting for a single (66 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 10: Hideki Matsui heads for first after connecting for a single in the fourth inning. He went 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and run scored as the New York Yankees triumphed over the Houston Astros, 5-3, at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui and Mondesi watch the ball hit the wall(67 of594)
Bronx, NY - JUNE 12: Hideki Matsui #55 and Raul Mondesi #43 of the New York Yankees watch as the ball hits the wall against the Houston Astros during the interleague game on June 12, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Astros 6-5. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings at a pitch (68 of594)
CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Chicago Cubs pitch during the interleague game at Wrigley Field on June 7, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui throws the ball to the infield (69 of594)
CHICAGO - JUNE 6: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws the ball to the infield during the MLB Interleague game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 6, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. The Yankees defeated the Cubs 5-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui is congratulated by teammate(70 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui is congratulated by teammate Todd Zeile after scoring on a bases-loaded walk to win a game against the Boston Red Sox, 6-5, at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui digs for third base on a thr(71 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui digs for third base on a throwing error after doubling to lead off the bottom of the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. He would later score on a bases-loaded walk as the Yanks beat the Sox, 6-5. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees Hideki Matsui reacts as(72 of594)
New York Yankees Hideki Matsui reacts as he watches his bat fly into the stands after he missed a pitch in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox 26 May, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in New York. Matsui struck out on the pitch. AFP PHOTO/Don EMMERT (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui walks (73 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 25: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees walks during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on May 25, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 5-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Hideki Matsui runs (74 of594)
The New York Yankees Hideki Matsui runs to first base in the third inning on a ground ball out 30 May, 2003, against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit. The Yankees Todd Zeile scored from third on the play. AFP PHOTO/JOHN F. MARTIN (Photo credit should read JOHN F. MARTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees center fielder Hideki M(75 of594)
New York Yankees center fielder Hideki Matsui chases down the ball during the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI, 01 June, 2003. The Yankees won the game 10-9 in 17 innings. AFP PHOTO/JEFFREY SAUGER (Photo credit should read JEFFREY SAUGER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees center fielder Hideki M(76 of594)
New York Yankees center fielder Hideki Matsui rounds third base during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI, 01 June, 2003. The Yankees won the game 10-9 in 17 innings. AFP PHOTO/JEFFREY SAUGER (Photo credit should read JEFFREY SAUGER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui waits for a Mets pitch (77 of594)
BRONX, NY - JUNE 28: Centerfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for the New York Mets pitch during the MLB interleague game at Yankee Stadium on June 28, 2003 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mets 7-1. (Photo by M. David Leeds/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a grand slam in the thi(78 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a grand slam in the third inning of the first game of a day-night double header against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Matsui drove in a career-high five runs as the Yanks, continuing their winning streak, scored a 7-1 victory over the Mets in the fourth game of this Subway series. (Photo by Mike Albans/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui rounds the bases (79 of594)
BRONX, NY - JUNE 28: Centerfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam against the New York Mets during the MLB interleague game at Yankee Stadium on June 28, 2003 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mets 7-1. (Photo by M. David Leeds/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui drives in two runs(80 of594)
BRONX, NY - JUNE 27: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees drives in two runs with a double during the interleague game against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on June 27, 2003 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mets 6-4. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a grand slam in the thi(81 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a grand slam in the third inning of the first game of a day-night double header against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Matsui drove in a career-high five runs as the Yanks, continuing their winning streak, scored a 7-1 victory over the Mets in the fourth game of this Subway series. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui knocks fists with teammates (82 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui knocks fists with teammates at end of the first game of a day-night double header against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Matsui hit a grand slam in the third inning and drove in a career-high five runs as the Yanks, continuing their winning streak, scored a 7-1 victory over the Mets in the fourth game of this Subway series. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui looks at a strike (83 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 4: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks at a strike during the American League game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 10-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs to first base (84 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 4: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs out of the batter box after a hit single during the American League game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 10-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui heads for first as his g(85 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 12: The New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui heads for first as his grounder hits the bag and is then booted by the Houston Astros\' first baseman Jeff Bagwell in the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks won the game, 6-5. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui looks on(86 of594)
FLUSHING, NY - JUNE 21: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on during the interleague game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on June 21, 2003 in Flushing, New York. The game was postponed due to rain. (Photo by M. David Leeds/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baseball All-Stars Hideki Matsui of the (87 of594)
Baseball All-Stars Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees runs past the media after batting practice for the 2003 Baseball All-Star game 14 July, 2003 at US Cellular Field, in Chicago, IL. Matsui will start in the outfield for the American League in the game 15 July, 2003. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui talks to Posada and Garciaparra(88 of594)
CHICAGO - JULY 14: Hideki Matsui talks with Jorge Posada and Nomar Garciaparra during batting practice before the Home Run Derby for the 74th Major League Baseball All Star Game on July 14, 2003 at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui laughs(89 of594)
CHICAGO - JULY 14: Hideki Matsui laughs during batting practice prior to the Home Run Derby part of the 74th Major League Baseball All Star Game on July 14, 2003 at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Japanese baseball All-Stars Hideki Matsu(90 of594)
Japanese baseball All-Stars Hideki Matsui (L) of the New York Yankees throws the ball back as countryman Ichiro Suzuki (R) of the Seattle Mariners looks on in the outfield during batting practice for the 2003 Baseball All-Star game 14 July, 2003 at US Cellular Field, in Chicago, IL. Matsui and Suzuki will start in the outfield for the American League in the game 15 July, 2003. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Japanese All-Star center fielder Hideki (91 of594)
Japanese All-Star center fielder Hideki Matsui (L) of the New York Yankees runs onto the field as National League manager Dusty Baker (R) of the Chicago Cubs looks on 15 July, 2003, before the start of the 74th All Star game at US Cellular Field, in Chicago. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Japanese All-Star center fielder Hideki (92 of594)
Japanese All-Star center fielder Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees watches his base hit 15 July, 2003. during the 74th mid-summer classic at US Cellular Field, in Chicago. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs between bases (93 of594)
TORONTO - JULY 12: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs between bases during the American League game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Skydome on July 12, 2003 in Toronto, Ontario. The Blue Jays won the game 10-3. (Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui watches the ball(94 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 6: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the ball during the game against the Boston Red Sox on July 6, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 7-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui watches for the ball(95 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 6: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches for the ball during the game against the Boston Red Sox on July 6, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 7-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui and Rivera celebrate(96 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 6: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 and pitcher Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees celebrate during the game against the Boston Red Sox on July 6, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 7-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui leads off (97 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 7: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees leads off against the Boston Red Sox during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on July 7, 2003 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 2-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Fans cheer for Matsui(98 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 7: Fans cheer after right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees scores the winning run against the Boston Red Sox during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on July 7, 2003 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 2-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui crosses the plate with the winning run for the(99 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 07: Hideki Matsui crosses the plate with the winning run for the New York Yankees\' as Boston Red Sox\' catcher Jason Varitek awaits the throw in the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Boston\'s second baseman Todd Walker booted a bases-loaded grounder to allow Matsui to score and the Yanks to gain a 2-1 victory to split their four-game series and increase their AL East lead to four games over Boston. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares to swing(100 of594)
TORONTO - JULY 12: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees readies for the pitch during the American League game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome on July 12, 2003 in Toronto, Ontario. The Blue Jays won the game 10-3. (Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hangs onto the ball as he hi(101 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 07: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hangs onto the ball as he hits the grass in the second inning of a game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 7-5. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Amezaga fails to tag Matsui(102 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 30: Shortstop Alfredo Amezaga #5 of the Anaheim Angels reaches to tag left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees as Matsui slides into second for a double during the MLB game at Edison Field on July 30, 2003 in Anaheim, California. Roger Clemens threw shut-out as the Yankees defeated the Angels 8-0. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings at a pitch (103 of594)
BOSTON - JULY 26: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Boston Red Sox pitch during the MLB game at Fenway Park on July 26, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui throws the ball (104 of594)
BOSTON - JULY 26: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws the ball against the Boston Red Sox during the MLB game at Fenway Park on July 26, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui celebrates (105 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 30: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates during the MLB game against the Anaheim Angels at Edison Field on July 30, 2003 in Anaheim, California. Roger Clemens threw a shut-out as the Yankees defeated the Angels 8-0. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui greets Derek Jeter as he scores for the New Yo(106 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 07: Hideki Matsui greets Derek Jeter as he scores for the New York Yankees on a single by Jorge Posada in the seventh against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 7-5. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares for his at bat (107 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 3: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares for his at bat during the American League game against the Oakland Athletics at the Network Associates Coliseum on August 3, 2003 in Oakland, California. The A\'s defeated the Yankees 2-1. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui looks at a strike (108 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 3: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks at a strike during the American League game against the Oakland Athletics at the Network Associates Coliseum on August 3, 2003 in Oakland, California. The A\'s defeated the Yankees 2-1. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs (109 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 2: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base against the Oakland Athletics during the MLB game at the Network Associates Coliseum on August 2, 2003 in Oakland, California. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 10-7. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui celebrates winning the game (110 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 2: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates winning the MLB game against the Oakland Athletics at the Network Associates Coliseum on August 2, 2003 in Oakland, California. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 10-7. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui connects with a pitch (111 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 2: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees connects with an Oakland Athletics pitch during the MLB game at the Network Associates Coliseum on August 2, 2003 in Oakland, California. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 10-7. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings at a pitch (112 of594)
BOSTON - JULY 26: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees connects with a Boston Red Sox pitch during the MLB game at Fenway Park on July 26, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a game winning, solo ho(113 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 17: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a game winning, solo homer in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks won, 5-4. (Photo by James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui, the New York Yankees' new slugging hopeful fr(114 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 19: Hideki Matsui, the New York Yankees\' new slugging hopeful from Japan, fields questions from the Japanese media at the Yanks\' spring training camp in Tampa. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings the bat(115 of594)
CHICAGO - JULY 15: American League center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 from the New York Yankees swings the bat against the National League during the 74th Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 15, 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The American League won 7-6. (Photo by Matthew Stockmanl/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsu(116 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 20: New York Yankees\' Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Raul Mondesi (l. to r.) exchange congratulations at the end of a game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks won, 7-4, to complete a four-game sweep of the series. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A foul ball gets by New York Yankees' outfielder Hideki Mats(117 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 24: A foul ball gets by New York Yankees\' outfielder Hideki Matsui in the fifth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Baltimore went on to win, 5-3. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui waits to bat (118 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 24: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits to bat against the Baltimore Orioles during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on July 24, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 5-3. (Photo by M. David Leeds/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs the bases(119 of594)
BOSTON - AUGUST 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the bases during a game against the Boston Red Sox on August 31, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 8-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Jason Giambi is congratulated by Hideki Matsui(120 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Jason Giambi #25 of the New York Yankees is congratulated by teammates Hideki Matsui #55 (R) and Derek Jeter #2 (L) after hitting a two-run home run (his 34th of the season) against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning of the game on August 11, 2003 in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals defeated the Yankees 12-9. (Photo by Dave Kaup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings the bat(121 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings the bat against the Kansas City Royals on August 11, 2003 in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals defeated the Yankees 12-9. (Photo by Dave Kaup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui heads for third base(122 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees heads for third base against the Kansas City Royals after a single by teammate Jorge Posada during the second inning of the game on August 11, 2003 in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals defeated the Yankees 12-9. (Photo by Dave Kaup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui (center, rear) meets with th(123 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 25: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui (center, rear) meets with the 2003 Little League World Champions from Tokyo, Japan, at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui chats with the 2003 Little L(124 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 25: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui chats with the 2003 Little League World Champions from Tokyo, Japan, at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui runs for home(125 of594)
BOSTON - AUGUST 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs between second and third base on his way to scoring against the Boston Red Sox on August 31, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 8-4. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Bernie Williams is greeted by Derek Jeter (126 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 28: New York Yankees\' Bernie Williams is greeted by Derek Jeter (center) and Hideki Matsui as he scores from first on an infield error in the first inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to beat the Chicago White Sox, 7-5. (Photo by James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui and Jeter celebrate(127 of594)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 30: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 and short stop Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees celebrate during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 30, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees won 10-7. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs to field the ball(128 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to field the ball against the Kansas City Royals on August 11, 2003 in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals defeated the Yankees 12-9. (Photos by Dave Kaup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui greets Posada(129 of594)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 30: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees fist pumps with Jorge Posada #20 after Posada homered in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 30, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees won 10-7. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui in action(130 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 9 : Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees has one hit against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Mariners Defeated the Yankees 2-1 . (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui takes batting practise(131 of594)
BRONX, NY - AUGUST 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees takes batting practice before the Yankees play the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 8, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui readies for a pitch (132 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 8: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees readies for a pitch during the American League game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 8, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 9-7. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui rounds the bases after a solo home run(133 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 8: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the American League game at Yankee Stadium on August 8, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 9-7. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui at bat(134 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 9 : Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees at bat against the Seattle Mariners during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 2-1 . (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui(135 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 9 : Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Seattle Mariners pitch during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 2-1 . (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui looks on(136 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Kansas City Royals on August 11, 2003 in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals defeated the Yankees 12-9. (Photos by Dave Kaup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui bats(137 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 9 : Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Seattle Mariners during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 2-1 . (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui prepares to bat(138 of594)
BRONX, NY- AUGUST 9 : Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares to bat against the Seattle Mariners during the MLB game at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 2-1 . (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui smacks a double to center field in the explosi(139 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 05: Hideki Matsui smacks a double to center field in the explosive six-run fourth inning for the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis. The Yanks breezed to an 8-1 win, wrapping up the ALDS and clinching a spot in the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox or the A\'s. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits two run homer(140 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 4: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a two run homer in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins during the American League Division Series Game 3 on October 4, 2003 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Posada and Matsui celebrate at plate(141 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 5: Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui of the Neew York Yankees celebrate at the plate after being scored by Nick Johnson in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins during game four of the American League Division Series October 5, 2003 at the Humphrey Dome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui and Williams celebrate win(142 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammate Bernie Williams #51 after the Yankees\' beat the Minnesota Twins during the American League Division Series on October 5, 2003 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twis 8-1 to advance to the American League Championship Series. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui stands on second base (143 of594)
BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of New York Yankees stands on second base during game one of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Twins won 3-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings at a pitch (144 of594)
BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: Right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Detroit Tigers pitch during the game at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 5-2. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Warren Morris forces out Hideki Matsui (145 of594)
BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: Second baseman Warren Morris #24 of the Detroit Tigers forces out right fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees during the game at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 5-2. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a solo homer in the fou(146 of594)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 10: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a solo homer in the fourth against the Detroit Tigers. The Yanks trounced the Tigers, 15-5, in an error-plagued game at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui hits(147 of594)
BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 7: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 7, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 3-1. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs to first base(148 of594)
BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 7: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 7, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 3-1. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs to first base(149 of594)
CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees eyes his batted ball as he runs to first base against the Chicago White Sox during the game on September 22, 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Yankees in 10 innings 6-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui looks like an escapee fr(150 of594)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 14: The New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui looks like an escapee from New York fashion week after the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. It was hazing day for rookies from both teams, who had to dress up as women. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui misses ball hit by Boston Re(151 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 15: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui misses ball hit by Boston Red Sox\' Kevin Millar in second inning of Game 6 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium. The Sox went on to beat the Yanks, 9-6, and tie the series, 3-3. (Photo by Mike Albans/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Jeter, Giambi and Matsui(152 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 13: (Left to right) Shortstop Derek Jeter #2, designated hitter Jason Giambi #25 and left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees put their caps over their hearts during the singing of the \'National Anthem\' before game four of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 13, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 3-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tim Wakefield pitches(153 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 13: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is at bat during game four of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 13, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusettes. The Red Sox won 3-2. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui catches the ball (154 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees catches a ball during Game 3 of the 2003 American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 11, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees won 4-3. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui Catches Fly Ball(155 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 14: Hideki Matsui #55 (L) of the New York Yankees catches a fly ball hit by Todd Walker #12 of the Boston Red Sox in the third inning of Game 5 of the 2003 American League Championship Series on October 14, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui hits the ball(156 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 15: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits the ball during game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 15, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 9-6. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings(157 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 15: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings during game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 15, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 9-6. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits double(158 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a double against the Boston Red Sox during Game 3 of the 2003 American League Championship Series on October 11, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusettes. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui talks with Williams(159 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 8: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of New York Yankees talks with teammate center fielder Bernie Williams #51 after the team\'s third out in the top of the first inning of game 1 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui, Alfonso Soriano, Derek (160 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 05: The New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui, Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams (l. to r.) salute during the playing of the national anthem before Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis. The Yanks went on to an 8-1 victory to breeze into the American League Championship Series Wednesday night against Oakland or Boston at the Stadium. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui (center) and Jorge Posada (right) get congratu(161 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 05: Hideki Matsui (center) and Jorge Posada (right) get congratulations at the dugout after scoring on a Nick Johnson double in an explosive six-run fourth inning for the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis. The Yanks breezed to an 8-1 win, wrapping up the ALDS and clinching a spot in the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox or the A\'s. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui is in the outfield during pr(162 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 10: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui is in the outfield during practice at Fenway Park as the Yanks prepare to take on the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits an RBI single in the fifth(163 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 9: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game 2 of the American League Championship Series on October 9, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui celebrates (164 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 8: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with his teammates against the Boston Red Sox during game 1 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2003 in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui runs to first (165 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 8: Center fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base against the Boston Red Sox during game 1 of the American League Championship Series on October 8, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui singles(166 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 18: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees hits hits a single to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning against the Florida Marlins during game 1 of the Major League Baseball World Series on October 18, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui rounds first base(167 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 18: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds first base after hitting a single in the sixthin inning during game 1 of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 18, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sporting News Archive(168 of594)
18 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees looks back at the umpire after sliding safely into second base during the Yanks\' 3-2 loss to the Florida Marlins in game 1 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. (Photo by Sporting News/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui congratulated at plate by Williams and Giambi(169 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees in congratulated at the plate by teammates Bernie Williams #51 and Jason Giambi #25 after hitting a three RBI home run in the first inning against the Florida Marlins during game two of the Major League Baseball World Series October 19, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits a three-run home run(170 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a three-run home run against the Florida Marlins in the first inning during game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series on October 19, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui celebrates scoring the tying run(171 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 16: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates after scoring the game tying run on a Jorge Posada #20 double in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui and Williams celebrate scoring(172 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 16: Hideki Matsui #55 and Bernie Williams #51 of the New York Yankees celebrate with their teammates after scoring on a Jorge Posada #20 double in the eighth inning to tie the game at 5-5 against the Boston Red Sox during game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui and Williams celebrate(173 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 16: Hideki Matsui #55 and Bernie Williams #51 of the New York Yankees celebrate with their teammates after scoring on a Jorge Posada #20 double in the eighth inning to tie the game at 5-5 against the Boston Red Sox during game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
15 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks 9-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox in game 6 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY.(174 of594)
15 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks 9-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox in game 6 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. (Photo by John Dunn/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui scores the tying run(175 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 16: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees scores the game tying run on a Jorge Posada #20 double in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
16 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees is greeted at home plate after scoring the tying run during the Yanks 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in (176 of594)
16 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees is greeted at home plate after scoring the tying run during the Yanks 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. (Photo by John Dunn/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
16 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY.(177 of594)
16 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. (Photo by John Dunn/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui is at bat(178 of594)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 21: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is at bat during game three of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 21, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 6-1. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui swings(179 of594)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 21: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings during game three of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 21, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees celebrate(180 of594)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 21: Karim Garcia #28 of the New York Yankees and teammates celebrate Derek Jeter\'s scoring on a single by Hideki Matsui #55 in the the eighth inning against the Florida Marlins during Game 3 of the Major League Baseball World Series on October 21, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui hits RBI single in eighth inning(181 of594)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits an RBI single in the eighth inning against the Florida Marlins during Game 3 of the Major League Baseball World Series October 21, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui throws (182 of594)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 21: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws the ball in from the outfield during game three of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 21, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 6-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits an RBI single to left f(183 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 21: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits an RBI single to left field, which put Yanks up 2-1 over the Florida Marlins in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the World Series at Pro Player Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 6-1, to take a 2-1 series lead. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui hits ball(184 of594)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 22: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits the ball during game four of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 22, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Marlins won 4-3 in 12 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
21 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees plays a ball off the wall during the Yanks' 6-1 victory over the Florida Marlins in game 3 of the World Series at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL.(185 of594)
21 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees plays a ball off the wall during the Yanks\' 6-1 victory over the Florida Marlins in game 3 of the World Series at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sporting News Archive(186 of594)
21 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks\' 6-1 victory over the Florida Marlins in game 3 of the World Series at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL. (Photo by Sporting News/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui is surrounded by the media d(187 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 20: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui is surrounded by the media during practice at Pro Player Stadium as the Yanks prepare to take on the Florida Marlins in Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sporting News Archive(188 of594)
19 Oct 2003: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks\' 6-1 victory over the Florida Marlins in game 2 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. (Photo by Sporting News/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui celebrates with teammates(189 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 19: Hideki Matsui #55 (C) of the New York Yankees is congratulated by his teammates after their 6-1 win over the Florida Marlins during game two of the Major League Baseball World Series October 19, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui looks to steal as Fox pitches(190 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks to steal second base as Chad Fox #49 of the Florida Marlins pitches during game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series on October 19, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 6-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui at bat(191 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 19: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is at bat during game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 19, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 6-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui at bat(192 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 19: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is at bat during game two of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Florida Marlins on October 19, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 6-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Donning a New York Yankees' jacket and h(193 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN: Donning a New York Yankees\' jacket and holding a bat, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi poses for photographers as Yankees\' slugger Hideki Matsui smiles at the prime minister\'s official residence in Tokyo, 27 January 2004. Matsui was awarded by the prime minister with Japan Professional Sports Award for his achievement as the most excellent professional sports player. AFP PHOTO/Koji Sasahara/Pool (Photo credit should read KOJI SASAHARA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Players Visit Japan Prior to Their Opening Game in Tokyo(194 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 20: Hideki Matsui, Outfield player of New York Yankees and Aubrey Huff, Infield player of Tampa Bay Devil Rays attend a press conference January 20, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan. The opening game of Major League Baseball New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays is scheduled to take place in Tokyo March 30 and 31. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Matsui breaks his bat(195 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 25: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees breaks his bat on a fly out to the pitcher in the first inning against the Florida Marlins during game six of the Major League Baseball World Series on October 25, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Japanese major leaguer Hideki Matsui (R)(196 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN: Japanese major leaguer Hideki Matsui (R) of New York Yankees shakes hands with Tampa Bay Devil Rays infielder Aubrey Huff during a news conference in Tokyo 20 January 2004 to promote the Major League Baseball Opening Series between New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The series will be held on 28 March through 31 at Tokyo Dome. AFP PHOTO/Kazuhiro NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Attend Training Session At Tokyo Dome(197 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 27: New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui attends a press conference at Tokyo Dome Stadium March 27, 2004 in Tokyo. The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will play each other in the season-opening games March 30 and 31 at the Tokyo Dome. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Image) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Attend Training Session At Tokyo Dome(198 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 27: (L to R) New York Yankees head coach Joe Torre, Hideki Matsui, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano RIvera attend the training session at Tokyo Dome Stadium March 27, 2004 in Tokyo. The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will play each other in the season-opening games March 30 and 31 at the Tokyo Dome. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Image) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Attend Training Session At Tokyo Dome(199 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 27: New York Yankees Hideki Matsui (L) and Jason Giambi (R) pose for photographs during the training session at Tokyo Dome Stadium March 27, 2004 in Tokyo. The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will play each other in the season-opening games March 30 and 31 at the Tokyo Dome. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Image) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Attend Training Session At Tokyo Dome(200 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 27: New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui (L) and Alex Rodriguez (2nd from R) attend the training session at Tokyo Dome Stadium March 27, 2004 in Tokyo. The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will play each other in the season-opening games March 30 and 31 at the Tokyo Dome. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Image) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees infielder Derek Jeter ((201 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN: New York Yankees infielder Derek Jeter (L) and outfielder Hideki Matsui (R) pose for photographies with Japanese kids during the training session at the Tokyo Dome stadium in Tokyo, 27 March 2004. The Yankees will play a two-game series season opener against Tampa Bay Devil Rays here starting 30 March. AFP PHOTO/Toru YAMANAKA (Photo credit should read TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui is besieged by news media be(202 of594)
JAPAN - MARCH 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui is besieged by news media before an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome. Fan favorite Matsui slugged a home run during his first at-bat, in the second inning; the Yanks went on to win, 6-2, and Matsui was presented with the MVP award. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui slams a home run during his (203 of594)
JAPAN - MARCH 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui slams a home run during his first time up at bat, in the second inning of an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome. The Yanks defeated the Giants, 6-2, and Matsui received the MVP award. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui is honored with the MVP awar(204 of594)
JAPAN - MARCH 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui is honored with the MVP award and a check for 500,000 yen after an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome. Fan favorite Matsui hit a home run his first time up at bat, in the second inning of the game; the Yanks won, 6-2. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui relaxes in the dugout with t(205 of594)
JAPAN - MARCH 28: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui relaxes in the dugout with two Sesame Street Muppets, the Japanese (left) and the American Elmo, before an exhibition game against Matsui\'s former team, the Yomiuri Giants, at the Tokyo Dome. Fan favorite Matsui later slugged a homer during his first at-bat, in the second inning; the Yanks went on to win, 6-2. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees vs Devil Rays(206 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 30: Japanese fans support Japan\'s own Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees during the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the Tokyo Dome on March 30, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan. The Devil Rays won 8-3. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Former New York city mayor Rudolph Giuli(207 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN: Former New York city mayor Rudolph Giuliani (L) chats with New York Yankees Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui (R), while Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (C) smiles, as Giuliani and Koizumi threw the ceremonial first pitch for the opening game of Major League baseball between Yankees and Tampa Bay Deveil Rays at the Tokyo Dome stadium 30 March 2004. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Attend Training Session At Tokyo Dome(208 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 27: New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui (L) and Don Zimmer of Tampa Bay Devil Rays during the training session at Tokyo Dome Stadium March 27, 2004 in Tokyo. The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will play each other in the season-opening games March 30 and 31 at the Tokyo Dome. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Image) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees vs Devil Rays(209 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 30: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitch during the game at the Tokyo Dome on March 30, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan. The Devil Rays won 8-3. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Season-Opening Game NY Yankees vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays(210 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 30: Hideki Matsui #55 of New York Yankees hits the ball in the first innings of the season-opening game of MLB between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays on March 30, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui of New Yo(211 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN: Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui of New York Yankees outfielder hits a two-home run in the fifth inning of the second game of the Major League Baseball season-opening series at the Tokyo Dome, 31 March 2004. Yankees leads 8-1 against Devil Rays aftwr the fifth inning. AFP PHOTO/Kazuhiro NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Devil Rays(212 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waves as he receives MVP award after a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the Tokyo Dome March 31, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Devil Rays(213 of594)
TOKYO - MARCH 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees talks with the Japanese media during the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tokyo Dome on March 31, 2004 in Tokyo, The Yankees won 12-1. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui ((214 of594)
TOKYO, JAPAN: New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui (2nd/L) shares a laugh with US Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig (2nd/R), US Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker (R) and Yankees manager Joe Torre (L) during a reception at the US Embasssy in Tokyo, 31 March 2004. The Yankees will play against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the second of a two-game MLB opening series in Tokyo 31 March. AFP PHOTO/Toshiyuki Aizawa/POOL (Photo credit should read TOSHIYUKI AIZAWA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
White Sox v Yankees(215 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 8: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs out on the field before the game against the Chicago White Sox on April 8, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yanks won 3-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
White Sox v Yankees(216 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 8: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first during the game against the Chicago White Sox on April 8, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yanks won 3-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
White Sox v Yankees(217 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 8: Third baseman Alex Rodriguez #13 gives left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees a high five during the game against the Chicago White Sox on April 8, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yanks won 3-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sporting News Archive(218 of594)
17 April 2004: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks 5-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, MA. (Photo by Albert Dickson/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox v Yankees(219 of594)
BOSTON - APRIL 18: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a single to drive in Jason Giambi in the third inning to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead on April 18, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yanees won 7-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
'NORBIT' Los Angeles Premiere(220 of594)
16 April 2004: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks\' 6-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, MA. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
'NORBIT' Los Angeles Premiere(221 of594)
16 April 2004: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees plays catch prior to the Yanks\' 6-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, MA. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
White Sox vs Yankees(222 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees flies out against the Chicago White Sox during their game on April 10, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(223 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees, far right, and teammates stand for the singin of the National Anthem prior to the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 8, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 6-0. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A's v Yankees(224 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 29: Frank Menechino #4 of the Oakland A\'s makes a throw to first base as Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees slides into second base during the game against the Oakland A\'s on April 29, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 7-5. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Athletics(225 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles against the Oakland Athletics May 5, 2004 at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui beats Kansas City Royals' catcher Benito Santi(226 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 02: Hideki Matsui beats Kansas City Royals\' catcher Benito Santiago\'s tag to score the first run for the New York Yankees in the third inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 4-2, to complete a three-game sweep of the series. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A's v Yankees(227 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 27: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the Oakland A\'s on April 27, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 10-8. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
'NORBIT' Los Angeles Premiere(228 of594)
25 April 2004: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees during the Yanks 2-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY. (Photo by Bob Leverone/Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Angels(229 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 18: Portrait of outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at an Anaheim Angels pitch during the game at Angel Stadium on May 18, 2004 in Anaheim, California. The Angeles won 1-0. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Angels(230 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 20: Portrait of outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees during the game against the Anaheim Angels at Angel Stadium on May 20, 2004 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 6-2. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees vs Anaheim Angels - May 20, 2004(231 of594)
Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees is greeted in the dugout after a two-run homer off Bartolo Colon of the Anaheim Angels the fifth inning during their contest at Angel Stadium April May 20, 2004. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(232 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 22, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Angels(233 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 19: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at the Anaheim Angels pitch during the game at Angel Stadium on May 19, 2004 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 4-2. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Angels(234 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 13: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs during the game against the Anaheim Angels at Yankee Stadium on May 13, 2004 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Angels 7-4. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(235 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 9: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 9, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 7-6. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(236 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 9: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees walks onto the field with the team during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 9, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 7-6. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(237 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 9: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees steps into the pitch during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 9, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 7-6. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
MLB Covers - New York Yankees OF Hideki Matsui - May 17, 2004(238 of594)
New York Yankees OF Hideki Matsui - May 17, 2004. The little things are a big deal - Why Japanese players excel at baseball\'s fundamentals (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui (c.) is in a good mood durin(239 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 14: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui (c.) is in a good mood during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks defeated the Mariners, 9-5. (Photo by James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Mariners vs Yankees(240 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 14: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a double in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners on May 14, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(241 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 19: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws the ball into the infield during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 19, 2004 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Yankees won 6-2. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Padres v Yankees(242 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres on June 13, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 6-5 in 12 innings. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Padres v Yankees(243 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 13: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch during the interleague game against the San Diego Padres on June 13, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 6-5 in the12th inning. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(244 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 19: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees at bat during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 19, 2004 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Yankees won 6-2. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(245 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 19: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees at bat during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 19, 2004 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Yankees won 6-2. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(246 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 19: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 19, 2004 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Yankees won 6-2. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(247 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is congratulated at home plate by Gary Sheffield #11 after hitting a three run home run in the 1st inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 19, 2004 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(248 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Portrait of outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees during the game against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees won 8-3. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(249 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees enters the field as third base coach Luis Sojo enters the dugout during play against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(250 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds third base on his way to scoring on a single by Tony Clark against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(251 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the baseline against the Texas Rangers during their game at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees won 8-3. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(252 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws the ball against the Texas Rangers during the game at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees defeated the Rangers 8-3. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Orioles v Yankees(253 of594)
BRONX - JUNE 1: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees follows the hit during the game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 1, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Orioles 8-7. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a single to right field(254 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 03: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a single to right field, scoring Gary Sheffield, in the seventh inning of game against the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks won, 5-2. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(255 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the baseline during the game against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees defeated the Rangers 8-3. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Devil Rays v Yankees(256 of594)
NEW YORK - JULY 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the flight of the ball as he follows through on a swing during the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 8, 2004 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Devil Rays 7-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui chases the ball after his er(257 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 02: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui chases the ball after his error allowed New York Mets\' Cliff Floyd to make it safely to second base in the first inning of game at Shea Stadium. Floyd went on to score as the Mets steamrolled the Yanks, 11-2, in the first of three Subway Series games. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
US Vice President Dick Cheney (L) shakes(258 of594)
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: US Vice President Dick Cheney (L) shakes hands with New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui (R) prior to the start of the Yankees-Red Sox game 29 June 2004 in New York. AFP PHOTO/POOL/Kathy WILLENS (Photo credit should read KATHY WILLENS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox vs Yankees(259 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 30: Hideki Matsui #55 (R) of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammate Gary Sheffield #11 after scoring in the 7th inning as Tony Clark drove them in by reaching on an error by David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox during their game on June 30, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tigers v Yankees(260 of594)
NEW YORK - JULY 7: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a two run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning on July 7, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(261 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 19: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the interleague game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the game at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The Yankees defeated the Dodgers 6-2. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers - June 19, 2004(262 of594)
Hidecki Matsui is greeted at the plate by Gary Sheffield after a homerun off Hideo Nomo of the Los Angeles Dodgers during their contest at Dodger Stadium June 19, 2004. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Dodgers(263 of594)
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 20: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares to bat in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 20, 2004 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers won 5-4. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Orioles(264 of594)
BALTIMORE - JUNE 23: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees practices for the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 23, 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 13-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers- June 20, 2004(265 of594)
Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees fires a ball to the infield during their contest against the Los Angeles Dodgers during their contest at Dodger Stadium, June 20, 2004. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(266 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 11: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees leads off first base with Mark Teixeira #23 of the Texas Rangers August 11, 2004 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Athletics v Yankees(267 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles in Gary Sheffield #11 to give the Yankees a 5-0 lead over the Oakland Athletics in the seventh inning on August 5, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 5-1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Orioles v Yankees(268 of594)
NEW YORK - JULY 29: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees makes a diving catch on a ball hit by Karim Garcia #20 of the Baltimore Orioles in the third inning on July 29, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui slams a two-run double to ri(269 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 24: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui slams a two-run double to right field to put the Yanks ahead, 5-4, in the sixth inning of game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. However, the Sox went on to win, 11-10, tying the three-game series. (Photo by Todd Maisel/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Blue Jays v Yankees(270 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 9: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Yankees is greeted at the plate by Alex Rodriguez #13 following his two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees on August 9, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Blue Jays went on to defeat the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by M. David Leeds/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Daily News back page dated August 7, 2004, Headline: BATSUI,(271 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 07: Daily News back page dated August 7, 2004, Headline: BATSUI, Hideki\'s 2 HRs, 6 RBI lead Yankee rout of Blue Jays, Hideki Matsui crushes 3-run HR in first and adds solo shot in third as Bombers blast Toronto, 11-4, last night at Stadium. Matsui\'s first career multi-HR game helps Yanks open up season-high 10 1/2-game lead over Boston (Photo by NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Red Sox(272 of594)
BOSTON - JULY 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the flight of the ball as he follows through on a swing during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 24, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 11-10. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
75th All-Star Game(273 of594)
HOUSTON - JULY 13: Hideki Matsui of the American Team warms up on the field before the Major League Baseball 75th All-Star Game at Minute Maid Park on July 13, 2004 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
75th All-Star Game(274 of594)
HOUSTON - JULY 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the American League celebrates with teammates including Carl Crawford #13 after defeating the National League team 9-4 in the Major League Baseball 75th All-Star Game at Minute Maid Park on July 13, 2004 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
75th All-Star Game(275 of594)
HOUSTON - JULY 13: American League All-Star outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for the National League All-Star Team pitch during the Major League Baseball 75th All-Star Game at Minute Maid Park on July 13, 2004 in Houston, Texas. The American Team defeated the National Team 9-4. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a two-run double to cen(276 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 08: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a two-run double to center field in the seventh inning of game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks won, 7-1. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Blue Jays v Yankees(277 of594)
NEW YORK - JULY 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees slides into third base as he advanced on a single by Ruben Sierra in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during their game on July 21, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Red Sox(278 of594)
BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 25: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the flight of the hit during the game with the Boston Red Sox on September 25, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 12-5. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Red Sox(279 of594)
BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees congratulates Hideki Matsui #55 after the Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox on September 24, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees won 6-4. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Red Sox(280 of594)
BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a double and drive in a run in the ninth inning making the score 6-4 against the Boston Red Sox during their game on September 24, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox vs Yankees(281 of594)
BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs during the game against the Boston Red Sox on September 24, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' outfielders Hideki Matsui (left) and Berni(282 of594)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 24: New York Yankees\' outfielders Hideki Matsui (left) and Bernie Williams celebrate on the field after defeating the Boston Red Sox, 6-4, in the first game of a three-game series. (Photo by Keith Torrie/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(283 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 14: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for a Seattle Mariners pitch during the game at Safeco Field on August 14, 2004 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 6-4. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(284 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 15: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees makes a running catch of a line drive by Randy Winn of the Seattle Mariners to end the eighth inning on August 15, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(285 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 14: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks at the bat during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on August 14, 2004 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 6-4. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Rangers(286 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 11: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees leaps into the air after a hit on a bad throw to Mark Teixeira #23 of the Texas Rangers on August 11, 2004 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Orioles v Yankees(287 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees catches a line drive hit by Larry Bigbie of the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth inning of the game on September 5, 2004 at Yankees Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York. (Photo by Bernie Nunez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox v Yankees(288 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Boston Red Sox pitch during the game on September 17, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Red Sox defeated Yankees 3-2. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(289 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 15: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to a base during the game against the Seattle Mariners on August 15 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 7-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(290 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 15: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees steps into the swing during the game against the Seattle Mariners on August 15 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 7-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins v Yankees(291 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 5: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs on the field prior to the start of Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins on October 5, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Twins defeated the Yankees 2-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins v Yankees(292 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 5: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats during Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins on October 5, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Twins defeated the Yankees 2-0. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins v Yankees(293 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a game-winning sacrifice-fly to score teammate Derek Jeter, defeating the Minnesota Twins 7-6 in the 12th inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series October 6, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins vs Yankees(294 of594)
BRONX - SEPTEMBER 29: Qutfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees chases a loose ball during the game against Minnesota Twins on September 29, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 5-3. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox vs Yankees(295 of594)
BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws the ball during the game against Boston Red Sox on September 26, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 11-4. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins v Yankees(296 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs during the Division Series game the Minnesota Twins on September 30, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 6-4 to clinch the American League Eastern Division. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS Game 3 - Yankees v Twins(297 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 8: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates during game three of the American League Divisional Series with the Minnesota Twins at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 8, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-4. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS Game 4 - Yankees v Twins(298 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 9: Hideki Matsui #55 (L) of the New York Yankees is congratulated by teammate outfielder Bernie Williams #51 after defeating the Minnesota Twins in game four of the American League Divisional Series at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 9, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-5 to advance to the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a sacrifice fly to righ(299 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 06: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Derek Jeter for the winning run in the 12th inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks defeated the Twins, 7-6, and tied the series, 1-1. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS Game 3 - Yankees v Twins(300 of594)
MINNEAPLOLIS - OCTOBER 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches activity on the field prior to Game 3 of the American League Divisional Series against the Minnesota Twins at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome October 8, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v New York Yankees(301 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 6: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with outfielder Gary Sheffield #11 during Game 2 of the American League Division Series with the Minnesota Twins on October 6, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 7-6. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS Game 3 - Yankees v Twins(302 of594)
MINNEAPLOLIS - OCTOBER 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees gets a hit in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins during Game 3 of the American League Divisional Series at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 8, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS Game 3 - Yankees v Twins(303 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 8: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a Minnesota Twins pitch during game three of the American League Divisional Series at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 8, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-4. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS Game 1 Red Sox v Yankees(304 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 12: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #22 of the New York Yankees hits a three run double in the third inning during game one of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 12, 2004 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 10-7. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins v Yankees(305 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Alex Rodriguez #13 (L) and Hideki Matsui #55 (R) celebrate in the locker room after the Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins to clinch the American League East Division title September 30, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Twins v Yankees(306 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates after the Division Series game the Minnesota Twins on September 30, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 6-4 to clinch the American League Eastern Division. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS Game 1 Red Sox v Yankees(307 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 12: The New York Yankees line up before game one of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 12, 2004 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 10-7. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox v Yankees Game 1(308 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a three-run double against the Boston Red Sox in the third inningduring game one of the American League Championship Series on October 12, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox v Yankees Game 1(309 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the American League Championship Series on October 12, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox v Yankees Game 1(310 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a three-run double against the Boston Red Sox in the third inningduring game one of the American League Championship Series on October 12, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 3(311 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a two-run homerun in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 3(312 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees congratulates teammate Hideki Matsui #55 after both scored on Matsui\'s homerun in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 3(313 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a two-run homerun in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox v Yankees Game 1(314 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a three-run double against pitcher Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox in the third inning during game one of the American League Championship Series on October 12, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 4(315 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 17: First baseman Kevin Millar #15 of the Boston Red Sox tags out Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees on an infield groundball play in the seventh inning during game four of the American League Championship Series on October 17, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 4(316 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 17: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees gets out of the way of a pitch by Keith Foulke #29 of the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning during game four of the American League Championship Series on October 17, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 4(317 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 17: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a triple in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game four of the American League Championship Series on October 17, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 4(318 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 17: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is congratulated by teammate Miguel Cairo #41 after scoring on an infield single hit by Bernie Williams #51 in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game four of the American League Championship Series on October 17, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS: Yankees v Red Sox Game 4(319 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 17: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a double in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game four of the American League Championship Series on October 17, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALCS Game 4 Yankees v Red Sox(320 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 17: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during game four of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 17, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui heads to third for a triple (321 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 17: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui heads to third for a triple in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Boston went on to win in the 12th, 6-4, to stave off elimination. (Photo by Keith Torrie/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Red Sox vs Yankees(322 of594)
FORT MYERS, FL - MARCH 7: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees signs autographs during batting practice before the preseason game against the Boston Red Sox on March 7, 2005 at City of Palms Park, in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(323 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 3: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles in Gary Sheffield in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during the Yankee\'s home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 3, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees(324 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds third base after hitting a two run home run Matt Clement #30 of the Boston Red Sox in the third inning during their game at Yankee Stadium on April 5, 2005 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(325 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees catches a ball hit by Kevin Millar #15 of the Boston Red Sox to end the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium on April 5, 2005 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 4-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(326 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is congratulated by Derek Jeter #2 after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead over the Boston Red Sox during their game at Yankee Stadium on April 5, 2005 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(327 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hitts a two-run home run in the third inning to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead over the Boston Red Sox during their game at Yankee Stadium on April 5, 2005 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(328 of594)
BOSTON - APRIL 11: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on before the game against the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day at Fenway Park on April 11, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Texas Rangers v New York Yankees(329 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 23: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on April 23, 2005 in the Bronx, New York. The Rangers defeated the Yankees 10-2. (Photo by Rich Pilling /MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(330 of594)
BALTIMORE - APRIL 16: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout against the Baltimore Orioles during the game on April 16, 2005 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 7-6. (Photo By Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays v New York Yankees(331 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 18: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees drives in a run during a 13 run second inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their game April 18, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(332 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 9: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees moves back to make a catch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2005 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 8-5. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(333 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 5: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Yankee Stadium on April 5, 2005 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 4-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(334 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 15: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum on May 15, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Yankees defeated the A\'s 6-4. (Photo by Brad Mangin /MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(335 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 15: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum on May 15, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Yankees defeated the A\'s 6-4. (Photo by Brad Mangin /MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees at New York Mets(336 of594)
FLUSHING, NY - MAY 20: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the bases during the game with the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on May 20, 2005 in Flushing, New York.The Yankees defeated the Mets 5-2.(Photo by Jim McIsaac /Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(337 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 15: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for an Oakland Athletics pitch during the game at McAfee Coliseum on May 15, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Yankees won 6-4. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v New York Yankees(338 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 8: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees fields during the game against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on May 8, 2005 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 6-0. (Photo by Rich Pilling /MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v New York Yankees(339 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 11: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on May 11, 2005 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 13-9. (Photo by Rich Pilling /MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Tino Martinez (right) is congratulated by (340 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 11: New York Yankees\' Tino Martinez (right) is congratulated by teammates Alex Rodriguez (left) and Hideki Matsui after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning of game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Martinez\'s homer tied the game as the Yanks went on to beat the Mariners, 13-9. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Kansas City Royals(341 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees gets a hand from third base coach Luis Sojo #53 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals on May 31, 2005 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Larry W. Smith/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(342 of594)
FLUSHING, NY - MAY 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates their victory against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on May 22, 2005 in Flushing, New York. The Yankees defeated the Mets 5-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(343 of594)
FLUSHING, NY - MAY 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees scores from first on a hit by teammate Bernie Williams, as Mike Piazza #31 of the New York Mets tries to make the tag, giving the Yankees a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning on May 22, 2005 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees - May 27, 2005(344 of594)
Against the Boston Red Sox, outfielder Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees tracks down the ball Friday, June 27, 2005, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (Photo by Jim Rogash/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Cubs vs Yankees(345 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 18: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees eyes the flight of his batted ball as Michael Barrett #8 of the Chicago Cubs and home plate umpire Bob Davidson #61 watch on June 18, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 8-1. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v St. Louis Cardinals(346 of594)
ST. LOUIS - JUNE 12: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 12, 2005 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cards defeated the Yankees 5-3. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Derek Jeter (left) congratulates Hideki Ma(347 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 16: New York Yankees\' Derek Jeter (left) congratulates Hideki Matsui after scoring on Matsui\'s two-run homer in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to beat the Pirates, 6-1. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(348 of594)
BOSTON - JULY 15: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees can\'t come up with the ball, resulting in a bases loaded two run double by Johnny Damon #18 of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 15, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers(349 of594)
DETROIT - JULY 3: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees takes a swing at the ball during the game against the Detroit Tigers on July 3, 2005 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Yankess defeated the Tigers 1-0. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(350 of594)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 27: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stands on base during the game with the Baltimore Orioles on June 27, 2005 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo By Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees(351 of594)
NEW YORK - JULY 9: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches his three run home run in the eighth inning in front of catcher Josh Bard #44 of the Cleveland Indians on July 9, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cubs v Yankees(352 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 18: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs against the Chicago Cubs during the game on June 18, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 8-1. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images). (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays v New York Yankees(353 of594)
BRONX, NY - JUNE 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates his home run with teammate Russ Johnson #14 during a 13 run eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on June 21, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Devil Rays 20-11. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Devil Rays vs Yankees(354 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on June 22, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Devil Rays won 5-3. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(355 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 24: Hideki Matsui #55 (C) of the New York Yankees celebrates with his teammates following their 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 24, 2005 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(356 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a pitch in the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 24, 2005 in Anaheim, California. The Yankees defeated the Angels 4-1. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(357 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks towards the outfield during the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 23, 2005 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Yankees 8-6. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui slides in with triple in 11t(358 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 31: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui slides in with triple in 11th and eventually scores winning run to come up big against Los Angeles Angels for second day in row at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(359 of594)
ANAHEIM - JULY 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 24, 2005 at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' outfielder Hideki Matsui winces as a close(360 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 28: New York Yankees\' outfielder Hideki Matsui winces as a close pitch whizzes by during game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 6-3. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Texas Rangers(361 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats during the game with the Texas Rangers on July 19, 2005 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers defeated the Yankees 2-1. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' left fielder Hideki Matsui fruitlessly att(362 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 15: New York Yankees\' left fielder Hideki Matsui fruitlessly attempts to catch a one-run double hit by Boston Red Sox\'s Jason Varitek in the first inning of game at Fenway Park. The Red Sox went on to crush the Yankees, 17-1. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Texas Rangers(363 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 18: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates his two run homerun against the Texas Rangers with Alex Rodriguez in the fifth inning on July 18, 2005 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(364 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stands on the field during the game with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 21, 2005 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 6-5. (Photo by Stephen Dunn /Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Yankees v Mariners(365 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 29: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waits for a Seattle Mariners pitch during the game on August 29, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 7-4. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(366 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 29: (R-L) Derek Jeter #2, Hideki Matsui #55, Alex Rodriguez #13, and Jason Giambi #25 of the New York Yankees warm up during batting practice prior to the game against the Seattle Mariners on August 29, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox v New York Yankees(367 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 9: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees makes a catch on a ball hit by Carl Everett of the Chicago White Sox on August 9, 2005 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The White Sox defeated the Yankees 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Tino Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffi(368 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 25: New York Yankees\' Tino Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Bubba Crosby (l. to r.) celebrate their 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a two-run single to rig(369 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 22: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a two-run single to right against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 7-0. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS: New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Game 1(370 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees at bat in the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during Game One of the American League Division Series on October 4, 2005 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a single in the first i(371 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a single in the first inning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees won, 4-2, at Angel Stadium., (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui walks on to the field at Ang(372 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 03: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui walks on to the field at Angel Stadium to take batting practice before tomorrow\'s start of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(373 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 02: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base during the first inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on October 2, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(374 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 02: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees makes the catch on a sacrifice fly hit by Tony Graffanino #10 of the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning of the game at Fenway Park on October 2, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui connects for a solo home run(375 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 01: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui connects for a solo home run to center field in the third inning of game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Yanks later defeated the Red Sox, 8-4, to take home their eighth consecutive AL East championship. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(376 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 4: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles in the 6th inning against the Oakland Athletics during a MLB game at McAfee Coliseum on September 4, 2005 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' left fielder Hideki Matsui catches a fly b(377 of594)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 24: New York Yankees\' left fielder Hideki Matsui catches a fly ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays\' Aaron Hill in the sixth inning of game at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays went on to win, 7-4. (Photo by James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(378 of594)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 01: Hideki Matsui #55 celebrates in the locker room after the New York Yankees clinched the AL East division title by defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 1, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Yankees won the game 8-4. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(379 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 9: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats as Bengie Molina of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim catches during Game Four of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2005 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Angels 3-2. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS: New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Game 5(380 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 10: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees walks across the outfield during batting practice before the start of their game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Game Five of the American League Division Series on October 10, 2005 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(381 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 9: Fans display signs reading \'Smash-sui\' and \'Go Yankees\' during Game Four of the American League Division Series between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2005 in Bronx, New York. \'Smash-sui\' is in reference to Yankee slugger Hideki Matsui. The Yankees defeated the Angels 3-2. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
This combo picture shows a wax doll of J(382 of594)
KANAZAWA, JAPAN: This combo picture shows a wax doll of Japanese baseball star Hideki Matsui of New York Yankees (L) and his bats are displayed at a press preview of Matsui\'s museum in Kanazawa city, 300km northwest of Tokyo 05 december 2005. The three-story ferro-concrete museum, with about 1,000 items of memorabilia on display, was to open to the public 08 December. AFP PHOTO/JIJI PRESS (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' left fielder Hideki Matsui tosses a ball i(383 of594)
UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 16: New York Yankees\' left fielder Hideki Matsui tosses a ball in the stands at Yankee Stadium. Matsui signed a four-year, $52 million contract that will keep him with the Bombers through the 2009 season. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' left fielder Hideki Matsui makes a catch i(384 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 10: New York Yankees\' left fielder Hideki Matsui makes a catch in the stands for an out in the third inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. The Angels went on to win, 5-3, eliminating the Yanks from the postseason. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees - Game 3(385 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees makes the throw to keep Vladimir Guerrero #27 to a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2005 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees - Game 3(386 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds third on his way to score in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2005 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui hits a double in the second (387 of594)
UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 05: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui hits a double in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(388 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles against the Oakland Athletics during Opening Day at McAfee Coliseum on April 3, 2006 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(389 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 5: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees hits against the Oakland Athletics at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California on April 5, 2006. The Athletics defeated the Yankees 9-4. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsu(390 of594)
Tampa, UNITED STATES: New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui prepares to make a throw during the team\'s spring training workout 23 February, 2006, at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida. Matsui elected not to play in the World Baseball Classic, which has caused displeasure among fans and members of the Japanese media that follow him. The Japanese team opens the WBC in Tokyo 03 March. AFP PHOTO/Joe RANZE (Photo credit should read Joe RANZE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees Photo Day(391 of594)
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Hideki Matsui of the Yankees poses for a portrait during the New York Yankees Photo Day at Legends Field on February 24, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees - April 13, 2006(392 of594)
New York Yankees outfielders Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Gary Sheffield against the Kansas City Royals April 13, 2006 in New York. The Yankees defeated the Royals 9 - 3 to sweep the series. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui gets a two-RBI base hit in t(393 of594)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 27: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui gets a two-RBI base hit in the sixth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won, 4-1. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals v New York Yankees(394 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees in action against the Kansas City Royals during their game at Yankee Stadium April 13, 2006 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Royals 9-3. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royals v Yankees(395 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees strikes out in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals during their game at Yankee Stadium April 13, 2006 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Royals 9-3. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(396 of594)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws during batting practice prior to a game against the Seattle Mariners August 24, 2006 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui wears a cast on his arm at a(397 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 16: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui wears a cast on his arm at a news conference at Yankee Stadium. Matsui underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair his left wrist that was fractured when he dove for a fly ball in Thursday\'s game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(398 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 10: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch during the game against the Boston Red Sox on May 10, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(399 of594)
BOSTON - MAY 1: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Boston Red Sox during their game at Fenway Park on May 1, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 7-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Johnny Damon comes to the aid of Hideki Ma(400 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 11: New York Yankees\' Johnny Damon comes to the aid of Hideki Matsui who injured his wrist diving for a fly ball in the first inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Matsui left the game and was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken left wrist. The Yanks went on to lose, 5-3. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(401 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 11: (L-R) Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees grimaces after injuring his left wrist sliding to catch a pop fly in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox as teammates Derek Jeter #2 and Johnny Damon #18 look on at Yankee Stadium on May 11, 2006 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays v New York Yankees(402 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Hideki Matsui #55 (L) and Gary Sheffield #11 of the New York Yankees warmup before playing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on September 13, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS - Detroit Tigers v New York Yankees - Game 1(403 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Detroit Tigers during Game One of the American League Division Series on October 3, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS - Detroit Tigers v New York Yankees - Game 2(404 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a lead off single in the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Division Series against against the Detroit Tigers on October 5, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York City. The Tigers won the game 4-3 and tie the series 1-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS - Detroit Tigers v New York Yankees - Game 1(405 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees is greeted by his team prior to the start of Game One of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers on October 3, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS - Detroit Tigers v New York Yankees - Game 1(406 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits during in Game One of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers on October 3, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Detroit Tigers v New York Yankees(407 of594)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 3: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees sliding safely into third base during American League Division Championship (ALDS) game #1 against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York on August 31, 2006. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 8-4. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(408 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Baltimore Orioles on September 28, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui watches his RBI single go to(409 of594)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 12: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui watches his RBI single go to shallow center in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. Matsui played his first game in four months after breaking his left wrist on May 11th, going 4-for-4 with a walk as the Yanks crushed the D-Rays, 12-4. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' outfielder Hideki Matsui takes a curtain c(410 of594)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 14: New York Yankees\' outfielder Hideki Matsui takes a curtain call after hitting a solo homer to right field during the second inning of game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. It was Matsui\'s his first home run since his return after recovering from a broken left wrist. The Yanks went on to win, 7-4. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Devil Rays(411 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field September 25, 2006 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Devil Rays(412 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees takes his turn at bat in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field on September 25, 2006 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Devil Rays(413 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MARCH 2: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches his fly ball to the outfield during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays March 2, 2007 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui flashes a rare smile as he s(414 of594)
UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 26: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui flashes a rare smile as he stands near the batting cage by manager Joe Torre during spring training batting practice at Legends Field. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays v New York Yankees(415 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a two RBI single in the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on April 5, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka, left, and Hideki(416 of594)
UNITED STATES - MARCH 12: Boston Red Sox pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka, left, and Hideki Okajima, right, and New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui, all of Japan, pose prior to the start a spring training game between the two teams in Fort Myers, Florida, Monday, March 12, 2007. (Photo by Rhona Wise/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS - New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers - Game 3(417 of594)
DETROIT - OCTOBER 06: Members of the New York Yankees sit in the dugout dejected in a game against the Detroit Tigers during Game Three of the 2006 American League Division Series on October 6, 2006 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers won 6 to 0.(Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v New York Yankees(418 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 06: Johnny Damon #18 and Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrate their victory against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on May 6, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v New York Yankees(419 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 6: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees poses with Pokemon\'s pikachu and piplup before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on May 6, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(420 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 27: Daisuke Matsuzaka #18 of the Boston Red Sox pitches to Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 27, 2006 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Segar-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(421 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees slides safely home for a run against the Baltimore Orioles in the second inning at Yankee Stadium on April 6, 2006 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(422 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 29: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees fields during the game against the Boston Red Sox at the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York on April 29, 2007. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 7-4. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees - April 27, 2007(423 of594)
New York Yankees Hideki Matsui hitting in a regular season game against the Boston Red Sox played at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, N.Y. Red Sox defeated the Yankees 11 - 4 on April 27, 2007. . (Photo by Bryan Yablonsky/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(424 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees at bat against the New York Mets during their MLB game on May 19, 2007 at Shea Stadium on May 17, 2007 in Flushing, New York. The Mets won 10-7. (Photo by: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(425 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Boston Red Sox on May 21, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 6-2. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(426 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 12: Hideki Matsui #55 and Bobby Abreu #53 of the New York Yankees moves to greet Derek Jeter# 2 after the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 12, 2007 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(427 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees jumps back from the wild pitch during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 12, 2007 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(428 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 11: Hideki Matsui#55 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 11, 2007 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(429 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to firstbase during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 13, 2007 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(430 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 12, 2007 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 7-2. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Seattle Mariners(431 of594)
SEATTLE - MAY 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stands ready at bat during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 13, 2007 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Colorado Rockies(432 of594)
DENVER - JUNE 20: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees catches a fly ball by Todd Helton of the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning on June 20, 2007 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies won 6-1. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Mets v New York Yankees(433 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 15: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the New York Mets on June 15, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui doubles to deep center field(434 of594)
UNITED STATES - JUNE 10: New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui doubles to deep center field, scoring two runs in the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks went on to win, 13-6, to complete a three-game sweep of the Bucs. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Colorado Rockies(435 of594)
DENVER - JUNE 19: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees plays leftfield against the Colorado Rockies as the Rockies defeated the Yankees 3-1 at Coors Field on June 19, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees Hideki Matsui hits a 2 run home run in the (436 of594)
UNITED STATES - MAY 23: New York Yankees Hideki Matsui hits a 2 run home run in the 1st inning of the Yankees game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(437 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the bases against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on May 23, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(438 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 23: Hideki Matsui #55of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on May 23, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athetics v New York Yankees(439 of594)
NEW YORK - JUNE 30: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stands ready at bat against the Oakland Athletics during the game at Yankee Stadium on June 30, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Derek Jeter congratulates Hideki Matsui af(440 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 05: New York Yankees\' Derek Jeter congratulates Hideki Matsui after scoring on Matsui\'s tie-breaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. The Yanks won, 7-6. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The New York Yankees' center fielder Melky Cabrera, left fie(441 of594)
UNITED STATES - JULY 05: The New York Yankees\' center fielder Melky Cabrera, left fielder Hideki Matsui and right fielder Bobby Abreu (l. to r.) come in from the outfield to celebrate with teammates after the Yanks\' 7-6 win over the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Colorado Rockies(442 of594)
DENVER - JUNE 20: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees throws against the Colorado Rockies on June 20, 2007 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies won 6-1. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v San Francisco Giants(443 of594)
SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 24: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees hits during the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California on June 24, 2007. The Giants defeated the Yankees 7-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v San Francisco Giants(444 of594)
SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees fields during the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California on June 23, 2007. The Giants defeated the Yankees 6-5 in 13 innings. (Photo by Don Smith/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(445 of594)
BALTIMORE- JULY 27: Manager Joe Torre of the New York Yankees congratulates Hideki Matsui after winning the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards July 27, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland. This game is a continuation of the game suspended on June 28, 2007. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays v New York Yankees(446 of594)
BRONX, NY - JULY 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch during the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on July 21, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays v New York Yankees(447 of594)
NEW YORK - JULY 21: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees high fives Hideki Matsui #55 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on July 21, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Devil Rays 7-3 in game one of their doubleheader. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals v New York Yankees(448 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 05: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees makes a catch for an out in the eigth inning against the Kansas City Royals during their game at Yankee Stadium on August 5, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees' Shelley Duncan is congratulated by Hideki (449 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 15: New York Yankees\' Shelley Duncan is congratulated by Hideki Matsui after scoring on Duncan\'s game tying, three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. The jubilation was short-lived however, as the O\'s scored three in the top of the 10th and went on to win, 6-3. (Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Cleveland Indians(450 of594)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Cleveland Indians on August 12, 2007 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees won 5-3. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore orioles v New York Yankees(451 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 14: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees flies out against the Baltimore Orioles on August 14, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photoby Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(452 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 15: Fans of Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees cheer in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during their game at Yankee Stadium on August 15, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City.The Orioles defeated the Yankees 6-3 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals v New York Yankees(453 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds third base in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals during their game at Yankee Stadium on August 4, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Matsui was held up by the third base coach and did not score on the play. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(454 of594)
BALTIMORE- JULY 27: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards July 27, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(455 of594)
BALTIMORE- JULY 28: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards July 28, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(456 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 22: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the bases while getting three hits in five at bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on August 22, 2007. The Yankees defeated the Angels 8-2. (Photo by Paul Spinelli/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(457 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 22: (L-R) Alex Rodriguez #13 and Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees score in the 8th inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angels Stadium on August 22, 2007 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(458 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a single in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angels Stadium on August 22, 2007 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox's Daisuke Matsuzaka (left) of Japan speaks wi(459 of594)
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 29: Boston Red Sox\'s Daisuke Matsuzaka (left) of Japan speaks with fellow countryman New York Yankees\' Hideki Matsui during batting practice before the start of a game at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers(460 of594)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 26: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees drinks during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on August 26, 2007. The Tigers defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers(461 of594)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 26: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees looks at his bat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on August 26, 2007. The Tigers defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(462 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 20: Left fielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees takes a swing at a pitch during the tenth inning at the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on August 20, 2007. The Angels defeated the Yankees 7-6 in ten innings. (Photo by Paul Spinelli/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(463 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 20: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on August 20, 2007. The Angels defeated the Yankees 7-6. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ALDS: New York Yankees v Cleveland Indians - Game 1(464 of594)
CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 (C) of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout late in the game against the Cleveland Indians during Game One of the American League Divisional Series at Jacobs Field on October 4, 2007 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians won 12-3 to take a 1-0 series lead. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(465 of594)
NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Yankee Stadium on August 30, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 5-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(466 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MARCH 12: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches play from the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays March 12, 2008 at Progress Energy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tampa Bay won 7 - 6. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images). (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Kansas City Royals(467 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 9: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees stretches before the game against the Kansas City Royals on April 9, 2008 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v New York Yankees(468 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches his sixth inning base hit against the Seattle Mariners on May 3, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 6-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(469 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 14: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees prepares to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game on April 14, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(470 of594)
BALTIMORE - APRIL 20: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Baltimore Orioles on April 20, 2008 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The Yankees won 7-1. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians v New York Yankees(471 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 08: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Cleveland Indians on May 8, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated Indians 6-3. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians v New York Yankees(472 of594)
NEW YORK - MAY 08: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Cleveland Indians on May 8, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated Indians 6-3. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians v New York Yankees(473 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 8: Jhonny Peralta of the Cleveland Indians leaps over Hideki Matsui during the game against the New York Yankees at the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York on May 8, 2008. The Yankees defeated the Indians 6-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers(474 of594)
DETROIT - MAY 9: Detail view of Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees baseball spikes during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on May 9, 2008. The Tigers defeated the Yankees 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers(475 of594)
DETROIT - MAY 9: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on May 9, 2008. The Tigers defeated the Yankees 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics(476 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees takes batting practice before the game against the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on June 12, 2008. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 4-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v New York Yankees(477 of594)
BRONX, NY - MAY 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on May 24, 2008 in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 12-6. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(478 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 03: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees fouls off a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game on September 3, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(479 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 02: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees fouls off a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game on September 2, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(480 of594)
BALTIMORE - AUGUST 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the game against the Baltimore Orioles on August 23, 2008 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(481 of594)
BALTIMORE - AUGUST 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Baltimore Orioles on August 23, 2008 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(482 of594)
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs to first base against the Baltimore Orioles during the last regular season game at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees are playing their final season in the 85 year old ball park and plan on moving into the new Yankee Stadium across the street to start the 09 season. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees Workout(483 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees is interviewed during a Yankees workout at the new Yankee Stadium on April 2, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees(484 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits out against the Chicago Cubs during their game on April 3, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The exhibition game is the first game to be played at the New Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees Workout(485 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees signs autographs during a Yankees workout at the new Yankee Stadium on April 2, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(486 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Designated Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees takes a swing at a pitch during the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on September 10, 2008 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Yankees 4-2 to win the American League West title. (Photo by Paul Spinelli/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(487 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angels Stadium on September 10, 2008 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(488 of594)
BALTIMORE - APRIL 06: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles during opening day on April 6, 2009 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(489 of594)
BALTIMORE - APRIL 8: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards April 8, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees(490 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 4, 2009: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches his double to centerfield as he runs towards firstbase during an exhibition game on April 4, 2009 against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians v New York Yankees(491 of594)
BRONX, NY - APRIL 16: Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats during the Opening Day game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York on Thursday, April 16, 2009. The Indians defeated the Yankees 10-2. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians v New York Yankees(492 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 17: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Kansas City Royals(493 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 10: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats and runs to first base from the batter\'s box during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, April 10, 2009. The Yankees defeated the Royals 4-1. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(494 of594)
BALTIMORE - APRIL 09: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees watches the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on April 9, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles(495 of594)
BALTIMORE - APRIL 09: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on April 9, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Kansas City Royals(496 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 11: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees bats and runs to first base from the batter\'s box during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, April 11, 2009. The Yankees defeated the Royals 6-1. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(497 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Kansas City Royals(498 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees walks off during batting practice before the game against the Kansas City Royals on April 12, 2009 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v New York Yankees, Game 1(499 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Minnesota Twins in Game One of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v New York Yankees, Game 2(500 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Minnesota Twins in Game Two of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Game 4(501 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 20: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees warms up during batting practice before Game Four of the ALCS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on October 20, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Game 5(502 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammates in the seventh inning in Game Five of the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Angel Stadium on October 22, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Game 5(503 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 22: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees slides into home base safe ahead of Jeff Mathis #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim tag during the seventh inning in Game Five of the ALCS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Angel Stadium on October 22, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
World Series Workouts(504 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees talks to members of the media before the World Series workouts on October 27, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 1(505 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 28: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees singles in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game One of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 28, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 1(506 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 28: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees bats against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game One of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 28, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Phillies won 6-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 2(507 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with Derek Jeter #2 after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 2(508 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 2(509 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 2(510 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 2(511 of594)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Two of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 3(512 of594)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees connects for a homerun in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Three of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 31, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 3(513 of594)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees connects for a homerun in the eigth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Three of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 31, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 3(514 of594)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a solo homerun in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Three of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 31, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 3(515 of594)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 31: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees connects for a homerun in the eigth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Three of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 31, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(516 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with Derek Jeter #2 (L) after Matsui hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(517 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Derek Jeter #2 (L) of the New York Yankees congratulates Alex Rodriguez #13 after Rodriguez scored on a 2-run home run by Hideki Matsui in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(518 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 (R) of the New York Yankees is congratulated after he hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(519 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with his teammates in the dugout after he hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(520 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 (2nd R) of the New York Yankees celebrates with his teammates in the dugout after he hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(521 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(522 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(523 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Pedro Martinez #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts as Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees runs the bases on his 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning of Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(524 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(525 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 and Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees celebrate after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(526 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: World Series MVP Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees holds up the MVP trophy as he celebrates their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(527 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 4: World Series MVP Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with the MVP trophy after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(528 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: World Series MVP Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates with the MVP trophy after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Yankees, Game 6(529 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: The New York Yankees celebrate after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees World Series Victory Parade(530 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Hideki Matsui #55 (L) of the New York Yankees accepts the key to the city from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg during the New York Yankees World Series Victory Celebration at City Hall on November 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui (R), Most Valuable Player(531 of594)
Hideki Matsui (R), Most Valuable Player for World Series Champions New York Yankees, shakes hands with teammate Alex Rodriguez on November 6, 2009 after a ceremony at City Hall in New York. The Yankees were celebrating their victory over the Philadelphia Philles in the 2009 World Series. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui (L), Most Valuable Player(532 of594)
Hideki Matsui (L), Most Valuable Player for World Series Champions New York Yankees, waves during a parade on lower Broadway November 6, 2009 in New York. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees Hideki Matsui (upper L)(533 of594)
New York Yankees Hideki Matsui (upper L) is cheered by the crowd during a ticker tape parade November 6, 2009 in New York. The Yankees were celebrating their victory over the Philadelphia Philles in the 2009 World Series. AFP PHOTO DON EMMERT (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hideki Matsui, Most Valuable Player for(534 of594)
Hideki Matsui, Most Valuable Player for World Series Champions New York Yankees, holds up the key to the city November 6, 2009 presented to him by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg during ceremony at City Hall in New York. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees World Series Victory Parade(535 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees celebrates on a float during the New York Yankees World Series Victory Parade on November 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees World Series Victory Parade(536 of594)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees waves to the crowd during the New York Yankees World Series Victory Celebration at City Hall on November 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baseball player Hideki Matsui, elected t(537 of594)
Baseball player Hideki Matsui, elected the Most Valuable Player for of the World Series Champions New York Yankees, waves as he rides up lower Broadway November 6, 2009 during a victory parade in New York. The 35-year-old designated hitter received the World Series Most Valuable Player award for leading the Yankees to their 27th Major League Baseball title with a 7-3 victory over defending champion Philadelphia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Introduce Hideki Matsui(538 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 16: (L-R) General manager Tony Reagins, Hideki Matsui and manager Mike Scioscia of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pose for a portrait during a press conference at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on December 16, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Introduce Hideki Matsui(539 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 16: Hideki Matsui of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim addresses the media during a press conference at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on December 16, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(540 of594)
TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the Chicago White Sox during the MLB spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 12, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(541 of594)
TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 12: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the Chicago White Sox during the MLB spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 12, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(542 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 07: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a double against Minnesota Twins during the sixth inning of the baseball game at Angel Stadium on April 7, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(543 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 07: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim gives autographs to fans prior to the start of the baseball game against Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium on April 7, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(544 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 07: Orlando Hudson (R) of the Minnesota Twins congratulates Hideki Matsui of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after Matsui\'s second inning base hit on April 7, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(545 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 08: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim prepares to bat against the Minnesota Twins on April 8, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Twins won 10-1. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(546 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 08: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim walks to his position in left field against the Minnesota Twins on April 8, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(547 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 09: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at bat against the Oakland Athletics on at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim April 9, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(548 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 10: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at bat against the Oakland Athletics on April 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(549 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 10: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a RBI double in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics on April 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(550 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acknowledges the fans after he received his World Series ring for being a member of the 2010 New York Yankees Worlder Series Championship team prior to playing against the New York Yankees during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(551 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is greeted by former teammates including Derek Jeter #2 (L) and Alex Rodriguez #13 (R) of the New York Yankees after Matsui received his World Series ring for being a member of the 2009 New York Yankees Worlder Series Championship team prior to playing against the New York Yankees during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(552 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees greets Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after he received his World Series ring for being a member of the 2010 New York Yankees Worlder Series Championship team prior to playing against the New York Yankees during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(553 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acknowledges the fans before batting against the New York Yankees during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v New York Yankees(554 of594)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is greeted by hall of famer Yogi Berra after he received his World Series ring for being a member of the 2009 New York Yankees Worlder Series Championship team prior to playing against the New York Yankees during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(555 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 23: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a lead off single in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees on April 23, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(556 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the New York Yankees on April 24, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Yankees won 7-1. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(557 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 14: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium on May 14, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Seattle Mariners(558 of594)
SEATTLE - JUNE 06: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is congratulated after homering against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 6, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Oakland Athletics(559 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 09: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim talks with teammate Torii Hunter #48 against the Oakland Athletics during an MLB game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 9, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Oakland Athletics(560 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 09: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim looks on against the Oakland Athletics during an MLB game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 9, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Texas Rangers(561 of594)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim singles in the 9th inning against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 1, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics Introduce Hideki Matsui(562 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 14: Hideki Matsui looks on during a press conference where he was introduced as the newest member of the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 14, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics signed designated hitter Hideki Matsui to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million plus possible incentives for the 2011 season. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics Introduce Hideki Matsui(563 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 14: Hideki Matsui (R) stands with Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (C) and San Francisco Consul General Hiroshi Inomata (L) pose for a photograph during a press conference where he was introduced as the newest member of the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 14, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics signed designated hitter Hideki Matsui to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million plus possible incentives for the 2011 season. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics Introduce Hideki Matsui(564 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 14: Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (R) looks on as Hideki Matsui (L) speaks during a press conference where he was introduced as the newest member of the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 14, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics signed designated hitter Hideki Matsui to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million plus possible incentives for the 2011 season. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Texas Rangers v Oakland Athletics(565 of594)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics gets ready in the batters box against the Texas Rangers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on March 4, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Texas Rangers v Oakland Athletics(566 of594)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics sits on the bench with teammates prior to a game against the Texas Rangers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on March 4, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(567 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics runs to first in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners during an opening day game of Major League Baseball at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(568 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: OAKLAND, CA - April 1: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics is introduced against the Seattle Mariners during an opening day game of Major League Baseball at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(569 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Hideki Matsui #55 and Josh Willingham #16 of the Oakland Athletics pause for a moment of silence in honor of the vicitims in Japan against the Seattle Mariners before an opening day game of Major League Baseball at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(570 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Seattle Mariners during an opening day game of Major League Baseball at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(571 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Seattle Mariners during an opening day game of Major League Baseball at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(572 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 02: Fans of Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics cheer against the Seattle Mariners during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 2, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics(573 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 3: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics gets an rbi basehit in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners during a MLB baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum April 3, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Minnesota Twins(574 of594)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 10: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates a solo home run with his teammates off starting pitcher Scott Baker #30 of the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning of their game on April 10, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Athletics defeated the Twins 5-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Texas Rangers v Oakland Athletics(575 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 02: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics is congratulated by teammates after he hit a walk off home run to win the game in the tenth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 2, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(576 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 24: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics strikes out swinging in the fifth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(577 of594)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 25: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #55 (L) and Kevin Kouzmanoff #5 of the Oakland Athletics follow the game from the dugout against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the basbeall game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 25, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Oakland Athletics(578 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 27: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 27, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Boston Red Sox(579 of594)
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics gets a hit as Jason Varitek #33 of the Boston Red Sox catches on June 4, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Baltimore Orioles(580 of594)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 07: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics waits to bat against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 7, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v. Kansas City Royals (581 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 14: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 14, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v New York Mets(582 of594)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics connects on a first inning sacrifice fly against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 21, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals v Oakland Athletics(583 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics hits a single in the first inning of their game against the Kansas City Royals at O.co Coliseum on September 6, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Arizona Diamondbacks v Oakland Athletics(584 of594)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 03: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics greets kids before his game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 3, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v New York Yankees(585 of594)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 25: Hideki Matsui #55 of the Oakland Athletics scores in the third inning against the New York Yankees on August 25, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox v Tampa Bay Rays(586 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 29: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays walks from the dugout to meet the media before play against the Chicago White Sox May 29, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Tampa Bay Rays(587 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG - JUNE 02: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Tropicana Field on June 2, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox v Tampa Bay Rays(588 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 29: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays homers in the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox May 29, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Tampa Bay Rays(589 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG - JUNE 02: Outfielder Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a fly ball against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Tropicana Field on June 2, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Miami Marlins v Tampa Bay Rays(590 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG - JUNE 16: Designated hitter Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats against the Miami Marlins during the game at Tropicana Field on June 16, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Philadelphia Phillies(591 of594)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a long ball in the second inning of interleague play against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Philadelphia Phillies(592 of594)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats during interleague play against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Tampa Bay Rays(593 of594)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 22: Pinch hitter Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners July 22, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Seattle won 2 - 1. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Kansas City Royals(594 of594)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 25: Hideki Matsui #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays sits in the dugout after pop flying out against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 25, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)