Matsui heroics a hit in Japan
Last Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2009 | 9:37 AM ET
The Associated Press
Tokyo workers watch a live broadcast of the World Series at Yamada Denki discount store on Thursday afternoon, with eventual MVP Hideki Matsui at bat . (Koji Sasahara/Associated Press)Japan nearly came to a standstill as millions watched on TV while Hideki Matsui, the man they know as Godzilla, stomped around New York to lead the Yankees to the World Series title.
Matsui became the first Japanese-born player to be named World Series most valuable player with a record-tying six runs batted in in the 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
Matsui homered, doubled and singled in Game 6, highlighting a series in which he hit .615 with three home runs and eight RBIs.
Japanese businessmen crammed into downtown electronics stores to watch the final few innings on giant televisions. The game ended just before 2 p.m. local time Thursday, giving office workers an excuse to take an extended lunch break.
"All the news recently has been about [Seattle's] Ichiro Suzuki," said Tokyo office worker Hiroyuki Takeuchi, who took the morning off to watch the game. "But Matsui's presence is huge. He overcame injuries and came through with the performance of a lifetime. As a Japanese, I'm very proud today."
Matsui was a three-time MVP for the Yomiuri Giants in the regular season in 1996, 2000 and 2002, his last year in Japan. He also won the MVP award in the 2000 Japan Series, Japan's version of the World Series.
'I hope he stays in New York. He looks good in pinstripes.'—Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Tokyo resident
Earning the nickname Godzilla, Matsui hit 50 home runs in 2002. The No. 55 on his uniform is a tribute to Sadaharu Oh's single-season home run record.
"As the first Japanese to win an MVP in the World Series, this is a great accomplishment for Matsui and will have a huge impact," said former San Francisco Giants pitcher Masanori Murakami, the first Japanese player to play in the major leagues, who watched at his Tokyo home.
Matsui always has been popular in Japan, but his decision not to play in the World Baseball Classic drew criticism from some fans.
Matsui always said he was passing over the WBC to prepare for the season with the Yankees.
The 35-year-old designated hitter is in the final year of a $52-million US, four-year contract.
Baseball fans across Japan want to know: What will the Yankees do with Matsui?
"He's a very hard worker and is serious about his career," Murakami said. "I hope he stays with the Yankees. I know he wants to stay, and the Japanese fans want him to stay."
Japanese sports dailies have speculated about his future, some even saying he might return to Japan to play for the Hanshin Tigers, the fierce Central League rivals of the Giants.
"I hope he stays in New York," Takeuchi said. "He looks good in pinstripes."
