View source for Hideki Matsui

{{Short description|Japanese baseball player (born 1974)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Hideki Matsui
|image=Hideki Matsui in USA-7.jpg
|caption=Matsui with the New York Yankees in 2007
|position=[[Outfielder]] / [[Designated hitter]]
|bats=Left
|throws=Right
|birth_date={{birth date and age|mf=yes|1974|6|12}}
|birth_place=[[Neagari, Ishikawa]], Japan
|debutleague=NPB
|debutdate=May 1
|debutyear=1993
|debutteam=Yomiuri Giants
|debut2league=MLB
|debut2date=March 31
|debut2year=2003
|debut2team=New York Yankees
|finalleague=NPB
|finaldate=October 30
|finalyear=2002
|finalteam=Yomiuri Giants
|final2league=MLB
|final2date=July 22
|final2year=2012
|final2team=Tampa Bay Rays
|statleague=NPB
|stat1label=[[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value=.304
|stat2label=[[Home run]]s
|stat2value=332
|stat3label=[[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat3value=889
|stat2league=MLB
|stat21label=Batting average
|stat21value=.282
|stat22label=Home runs
|stat22value=175
|stat23label=Runs batted in
|stat23value=760
|teams=
* [[Yomiuri Giants]] ({{baseball year|1993}}–{{npby|2002}}) 
* [[New York Yankees]] ({{mlby|2003}}–{{mlby|2009}})
* [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] ({{mlby|2010}})
* [[Oakland Athletics]] ({{mlby|2011}})
* [[Tampa Bay Rays]] ({{mlby|2012}})
|awards= 
'''NPB'''
* 9× [[Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series|All-Star]] (1994–2002)
* 3× [[Japan Series]] champion ([[1994 Japan Series|1994]], [[2000 Japan Series|2000]], [[2002 Japan Series|2002]])
* 3× [[Nippon Professional Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Central League MVP]] (1996, 2000, 2002)
* [[Japan Series Most Valuable Player Award|Japan Series MVP]] (2000)
* 8× [[Best Nine Award]] (1995–2002)
* [[Matsutaro Shoriki Award]] (2000)
'''MLB'''
* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2003]], [[2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2004]])
* [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|2009}})
* [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award|World Series MVP]] (2009)
| hoflink       = Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
| hoftype       = Japanese
| hofdate       = 2018
| hofvote       = 91.3%
| hofmethod     =
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
| kanji = 松井 秀喜
| romaji = Matsui Hideki
}}
{{nihongo|'''Hideki Matsui'''|松井 秀喜|Matsui Hideki|extra=born June 12, 1974}}, nicknamed "'''[[Godzilla]]'''", is a Japanese former professional [[baseball]] [[outfielder]] and [[designated hitter]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[New York Yankees]], [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], [[Oakland Athletics]], [[Tampa Bay Rays]], and in [[Nippon Professional Baseball]] (NPB) for the [[Yomiuri Giants]]. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

Matsui played the first 10 seasons of his career in Japan for NPB's [[Yomiuri Giants]]. During that span, he was a nine-time [[Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series|All-Star]], three-time [[Japan Series]] champion, and three-time [[Nippon Professional Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Central League Most Valuable Player]] (MVP). In 2003, Matsui transitioned to playing in MLB in North America, and spent his first seven seasons there with the [[New York Yankees]]. As a Yankee, he was a two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] and [[2009 World Series]] champion, for which he was named the [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award|World Series MVP]]. He is the first Asian player to win the award in league history. After becoming a free agent, Matsui had one-year stints with three other MLB teams: the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], [[Oakland Athletics]], and [[Tampa Bay Rays]]. On July 28, 2013, Matsui signed a one-day minor league contract with the Yankees in order to officially retire with the team.

During his 20-year playing career, Matsui hit 507 [[home run]]s, 332 in NPB and 175 in MLB. In 2018, Matsui was inducted into the [[Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame]].

==Early life==
Hideki Matsui was born in [[Neagari, Ishikawa]], Japan (later merged into [[Nomi, Ishikawa]]). According to an interview on [[YES Network]]'s ''CenterStage'', Matsui originally batted right-handed as a child. However, when he started playing with his older brother and his friends, Matsui was such a good hitter that his embarrassed brother insisted that he bat left-handed or stop playing with them. Matsui soon became an overpowering left-handed batter, thereafter batting left-handed.<ref name="whiting">{{cite book |last1=Whiting |first1=Robert |title=The Samurai Way of Baseball |date=2005 |publisher=[[Warner Books]] |isbn=9780446694032 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b2h1PQAACAAJ}}</ref>{{rp|233}}

Matsui was recruited by Seiryo High School in [[Kanazawa, Ishikawa]], a Western [[Honshu]] baseball powerhouse. During his high school years, Matsui participated in four [[High school baseball in Japan|National High School Baseball Tournaments]] at [[Koshien Stadium]] (once in the spring and three times in the summer). In 1992, he drew five consecutive [[Intentional Walks|intentional walks]] in a game at Koshien and became a nationwide topic of conversation. The intentional walks were considered excessive and unsportsmanlike but the strategy worked, as Matsui's team lost. Matsui's reaction to the intentional walks was widely commented upon by the media. "Matsui's stoic, emotionless conduct during those at-bats drew great praise from tournament officials and reporters alike", author Robert Whiting wrote. At the end of the tournament, a representative of the High School Federation declared that "All students should learn from Matsui's attitude."<ref name="whiting" />{{rp|234}}

==Professional career==
===Yomiuri Giants===
Following high school Matsui was drafted by the [[Yomiuri Giants]] in the first round. He was given the uniform number 55, which was the single-season home run record held by [[Sadaharu Oh]].<ref name="whiting" />{{rp|235}}

Matsui's first three seasons were unspectacular. His breakout season came in 1996, when he batted .314 with 38 home runs and 99 RBIs.<ref name="whiting" />{{rp|235}} A three-time [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]] in the [[Central League|Japanese Central League]] (1996, 2000, and 2002), Matsui led his team into four [[Japan Series]], winning three titles (1994, 2000 and 2002). He also made nine consecutive all-star games and led the league in [[home run]]s and [[Run batted in|RBI]]s three times (1998, 2000, and 2002). His single season mark for home runs was 50 in 2002, his final season in Japan. In the ten seasons he played in Japan, Matsui totalled 1268 games played, 4572 [[At bat|AB]], 1390 hits, 901 runs, 332 home runs, 889 RBIs, a .304 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]], and a .582 [[slugging percentage]]. His streak of 1,250 consecutive games played was the second longest in Japan.<ref name="whiting" />{{rp|230}}

His first trip to the Japan Series became well known. Because of the [[1994–95 Major League Baseball strike]], Matsui became known to the American media, as media outlets were covering the Series, which was referred in ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' as "the" Fall Classic.

In Japan, Matsui earned the popular nickname "[[Godzilla]]." The origin of the name is derisive in nature, in reference to Matsui's skin problems early on in his career, but has since come to represent his powerful hitting.<ref>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Jim|date=November 21, 2002|title=Matsui just keeps on causing chaos|url=http://www2.gol.com/users/jallen/column/20021121.html|website=Jim Allen's The Hot Corner}}</ref><ref name="whiting" />{{rp|233}} In 2002, he made a cameo in the film ''[[Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla]].''

In 2001, Matsui turned down a $64 million, six-year offer from the Yomiuri Giants, the highest in NPB history.<ref name="whiting" />{{rp|231}}

===New York Yankees===
[[File:Hideki Matsui in USA-6.jpg|alt=|thumb|250x250px|Hideki Matsui batting for the Yankees]]
Matsui signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Yankees on December 19, 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 19, 2002|title=Godzilla deal pending on team physical|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2002/1219/1479584.html|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> A parade was held for him in Tokyo to celebrate his signing with the Yankees and many reporters and photographers followed him to MLB from his home in Tokyo.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Trotta|first=Jerry|date=July 28, 2020|title=Yankees: Revisiting Hideki Matsui's Arrival From Japan for 2003 Season|url=https://yanksgoyard.com/2020/07/28/yankees-revisiting-hideki-matsui-signing/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=Yanks Go Yard|publisher=[[FanSided]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 31, 2003, Matsui made his MLB debut against [[Toronto Blue Jays]] in Canada. He became the first Japanese player who made his MLB debut in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |author=宇根夏樹 |date=January 11, 2020 |title=山口俊は史上４人目の「カナダでデビューする日本人選手」になる？ 日本人メジャー初出場の球場にまつわるトリビア |trans-title=Will Shun Yamaguchi become the fourth Japanese player to make his debut in Canada? Trivia about the stadium where the Japanese player made his major league debut |url=https://thedigestweb.com/baseball/detail/id=8423?open=on |access-date=July 26, 2020 |work=The DIGEST |language=ja}}</ref> He hit an RBI single in his first MLB at-bat and, at the 2003 Yankee home opener, he became the first Yankee to hit a grand slam in his first game at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]]. Matsui went on to hit .287 with 16 home runs and 106 RBIs. On defense, he led the AL in errors by an outfielder, with eight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yearly League Leaders & Records for Errors Committed as OF|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/E_of_leagues.shtml|access-date=|website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|language=en}}</ref> In the [[2003 MLB postseason]], he became the first Japanese player to hit a home run in the [[World Series]], in Game Two of the [[2003 World Series]] against the [[Florida Marlins]].

Matsui narrowly lost the [[MLB Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year Award]] to [[Ángel Berroa]] after two writers, [[Jim Souhan]] and Bill Ballou, refused to include him on their ballots due to his age. Yankees owner [[George Steinbrenner]] responded by pointing out this had not prevented either writer from voting for [[Ichiro Suzuki]] or [[Kazuhiro Sasaki]], both of whom had previously played in the NPB for several years and were the two oldest players to have received the award, and stated he felt Matsui had been robbed.<ref>{{cite book|first=Jerry|last=Beach|title=Godzilla Takes the Bronx|location=New York|year=2004}}</ref>

[[File:Hideki Matsui in USA-8.jpg|alt=|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Hideki Matsui rounding the bases]]
In his second season, Matsui finished 2004 with a .298 average with 31 home runs and 108 RBIs. He was the American League [[All-Star Final Vote]] winner in 2004. In 2005, Matsui set MLB career highs with a .305 average and 116 RBIs.

On November 15, 2005, Matsui signed a four-year deal for $52 million, surpassing [[Ichiro Suzuki]] as the highest paid Japanese player in baseball, and securing his place with the Yankees through 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2005|title=Matsui, Yankees reach four-year, $52M deal|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2225216|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|language=en}}</ref> In 2006, Matsui finished his fourth season with a .302 average with eight home runs and 29 RBIs after missing most of the season due to a wrist injury.

On May 6, 2007, Matsui recorded his 2,000th hit in combined hits in NPB and MLB during a game vs. the Mariners, which earned him a place in Japan's [[Golden Players Club]], reserved for players who have hit 2,000 hits, have 200 wins or have 250 saves professionally. It was originally ruled an error on [[Raúl Ibañez]], who lost track of the ball due to the sun, but a scoring change gave Matsui the hit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Breakey|first=Caleb|date=May 6, 2007|title=Yanks top Mariners on eventful day|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949006&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508193039/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949006&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=May 8, 2007|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Matsui went 2-for-4 that day; the second hit (#2001) was a clean single to right field. On August 5, 2007, Matsui became the first Japanese player in MLB history to hit 100 home runs. The home run came in the bottom of the third inning off [[Gil Meche]] of the [[Kansas City Royals]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Breakey|first=Caleb|date=August 5, 2007|title=Surging Yankees complete sweep|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823031339/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2131778&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2131778&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=August 23, 2007|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

In 2007, he was third in the AL with 10 sacrifice flies, and ninth in walks per strikeout (1.00). In the winter of 2007, it was widely reported in the media that the Yankees were in talks to send Matsui to the [[San Francisco Giants]] in exchange for one or two pitchers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baggarly|first=Andrew|date=December 7, 2007|title=Looking for monster deal? Giants pursuing Godzilla|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2007/12/07/looking-for-monster-deal-giants-pursuing-godzilla/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[The Mercury News]]|language=en-US}}</ref> No deal ever materialized and Matsui remained with the Yankees.

On June 12, 2008, Matsui hit a grand slam on his 34th birthday, helping the Yankees to a 4–1 victory over the A's.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=June 13, 2008|title=Matsui feeling grand against A's|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080613&content_id=2904100&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614221145/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080613&content_id=2904100&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=June 14, 2008|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Later that month, Matsui went on the disabled list with knee pain.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 28, 2008|title=Yankees put Matsui on disabled list|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2008/06/28/Yankees-put-Matsui-on-disabled-list/94591214687637/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[United Press International|UPI]]|language=en}}</ref> He returned on August 19 against the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] and became the team's everyday designated hitter.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 19, 2008|title=Yanks welcome back Matsui, reconsider Pavano start; Joba to throw|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3543356|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|language=en}}</ref> After the final game at Yankee Stadium, Matsui underwent surgery on his left knee.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=September 24, 2008|title=Matsui undergoes knee surgery|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/09/24/baseball/mlb/matsui-undergoes-knee-surgery/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[The Japan Times]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Through 2008, Matsui batted .294 against right-handed pitchers in his career and .295 against lefties.<ref name="100random2">{{cite news|last=Chuck|first=Bill|date=April 2, 2009|title=100 random things about the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/100_random_things_2009/|url-status=dead|access-date=May 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405072934/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/100_random_things_2009/|archive-date=April 5, 2009}}</ref>

On June 12, 2009, Matsui hit a three-run home run on his 35th birthday, giving the Yankees a 7–6 lead over the [[New York Mets]] in the sixth inning.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=June 13, 2009|title=Yankees walk off on Mets' two-run error|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090612&content_id=5292206&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616061600/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090612&content_id=5292206&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=June 16, 2009|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On July 20, he hit a [[walk-off home run|walk-off]] solo home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth against [[Jim Johnson (baseball, born 1983)|Jim Johnson]] of the [[Baltimore Orioles]], giving the Yankees their fourth win in a row after the All Star break, their ninth walk-off win, and a tie for first place in the division with the [[Boston Red Sox]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=July 20, 2009|title=With walk-off, Yanks grab share of first|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090720&content_id=5962604&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724083552/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090720&content_id=5962604&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=July 24, 2009|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> A month later, on August 21, Matsui hit two home runs and drove in a career-high seven runs in the Yankees' unusual 20–11 win over the [[Boston Red Sox]] at [[Fenway Park]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2009|title=Matsui, A-Rod Lead Yanks To 20-11 Win Over Red Sox|url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2009/08/21/yankees-red-sox-4|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[WBUR-FM]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|language=en}}</ref> He became the first Yankees hitter to ever drive in seven runs in a game at Fenway Park since [[Lou Gehrig]] in 1930. Two games later, Matsui would hit two home runs for his third time in just seven games. Matsui was voted by fans as MLB Clutch Performer of the Month Presented by Pepsi for August after his performance through the month.<ref>{{cite web|last=DiComo|first=Anthony|date=September 9, 2009|title=Matsui takes August clutch honors|url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090909&content_id=6873754&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219033217/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090909&content_id=6873754&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=December 19, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2010|work=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On September 19, Matsui hit his 26th home run of the season, breaking the Yankees' record for home runs in a single season by a [[designated hitter]] which was previously held by [[Don Baylor]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=September 20, 2009|title=CC overcomes scare, earns 18th win|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090920&content_id=7057636&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926124823/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090920&content_id=7057636&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=September 26, 2009|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[New York Yankees]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

[[File:Hideki Matsui World Series parade 2009.jpg|thumb|Matsui during the [[2009 World Series]] championship parade]]
In the [[2009 World Series]], Matsui helped the Yankees defeat the defending champion [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in six games by hitting .615 (8-for-13) with three home runs and 8 RBI, including tying [[Bobby Richardson]]'s single-game World Series record (Game 3 of the [[1960 World Series]]) with six RBIs in Game 6. Since the [[Designated hitter#Interleague play and exhibitions (until 2021)|designated hitter position was not used]] in the three games in Philadelphia, Matsui only started the three games in New York; nevertheless, his performance earned him the [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award]]. He became the first Japanese-born player to win the award, as well as the first player to win it as a full-time designated hitter in the World Series.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 5, 2009|title=Matsui becomes 1st Japanese-born World Series MVP|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2009/11/05/matsui-becomes-1st-japanese-born-world-series-mvp/|access-date=November 5, 2009|website=[[The Oakland Press]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He joined his 1994 [[Japan Series]] teammate [[Dan Gladden]] (1987 and 1991, Minnesota) as players to have won championships in both North America and Japan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Curry|first=Jack|author-link=Jack Curry|date=November 5, 2009|title=Matsui Leaves a Lasting World Series Memory|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/sports/baseball/05matsui.html|access-date=November 5, 2009|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Matsui also became the third player in Major League history to bat .500 or above and hit three home runs in the same World Series, joining only Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Crasnick|first=Jerry|date=December 27, 2012|title=Former Yankee Hideki Matsui retires|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8784712/former-new-york-yankees-slugger-hideki-matsui-retires|access-date=December 27, 2012|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref>

===Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim===
[[File:Matsui greeted by Yankees 4-13-10.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Matsui greeted by his former teammates during the Yankees' [[2010 Major League Baseball season|2010]] home opener]]
On December 16, 2009, Matsui agreed to a one-year deal with the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] worth $6.5 million.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kepner|first=Tyler|date=December 14, 2009|title=Left Waiting by Yankees, Matsui Jumps to Angels|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/sports/baseball/15matsui.html?_r=1&ref=sports|access-date=December 15, 2009}}</ref> He told [[Yomiuri Shimbun]] that he "loved the Yankees the best" but that he no longer felt valued and when his agent called to negotiate, "The Yankees had nothing prepared [in terms of contract conditions]." He made up his mind to sign with the Angels quickly. "I really felt their high expectations of me", he said. "They also acknowledged that I want to give fielding a shot."<ref>{{cite news|author=|date=January 1, 2010|title=Angel in the outfield / Matsui welcomes new challenge in Los Angeles|work=[[The Yomiuri Shimbun]]|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20100101TDY20302.htm|access-date=January 1, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

On Opening Day of the 2010 season, Matsui went 2-for-4 with a home run in the Angels cleanup spot.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 6, 2010|title=Former Yankees Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon Find Success on Opening Day as 'New Guys' – New York Yankees|url=http://www.nesn.com/2010/04/former-yankees-hideki-matsui-johnny-damon-find-success-on-opening-day-as-new-guys.html|access-date=December 7, 2010|website=[[New England Sports Network|NESN]]|publisher=}}</ref> While playing in 145 games for the Angels, he produced a .274 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]], 21 [[home runs]] and 84 RBIs. Matsui returned to [[free agent]] status following the close of the season, and on November 23, 2010, the Angels announced that they would not offer him [[salary arbitration]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Spencer |first=Lyle |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Angels decline to offer arbitration to Matsui |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122&content_id=16178598&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105202432/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122&content_id=16178598&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2013 |work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

===Oakland Athletics===
[[File:Hideki Matsui 2011.jpg|upright=0.75|thumb|Matsui with the Athletics in 2011]]
On December 14, 2010, Matsui signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million with the [[Oakland Athletics]] for the 2011 season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Haft|first=Chris|date=December 14, 2010|title=A's complete deal to sign Matsui|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101213&content_id=16314818&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215185159/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101213&content_id=16314818&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak|archive-date=December 15, 2010|access-date=March 29, 2012|website=[[Oakland Athletics]]|publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On April 3, 2011, Matsui collected career hit number 2,500 (between [[Nippon Professional Baseball|NPB]] and [[Major League Baseball|MLB]]) at [[Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum]] versus the [[Seattle Mariners]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 3, 2011|title=Oakland A's notebook: Hideki Matsui celebrates Japanese Heritage Day with his 2,500th professional hit|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2011/04/03/oakland-as-notebook-hideki-matsui-celebrates-japanese-heritage-day-with-his-2500th-professional-hit/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[East Bay Times]]|language=en-US}}</ref> and on July 20, 2011, Matsui hit career home run number 500 versus the [[Detroit Tigers]] at [[Comerica Park]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilmoth|first=Charlie|date=July 20, 2011|title=Hideki Matsui Hits 500th Career Home Run|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2011/7/20/2338179/hideki-matsui-hits-500th-career-home-run|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref>

===Tampa Bay Rays===
[[File:Hideki Matsui batting for the Rays in 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|Matsui batting for the Rays in 2012]]
On April 30, 2012, Matsui signed a minor league contract with the [[Tampa Bay Rays]].<ref>{{cite web|date=April 30, 2012|title=Rays sign Hideki Matsui to minor league contract|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-sign-hideki-matsui-to-minor-league-contract/c-30037706|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019012813/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/30037706|archive-date=October 19, 2015|access-date=October 19, 2015|work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He joined the [[Tampa Bay Rays|Rays']] [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate, the [[Durham Bulls]], on May 15, 2012. On May 28, 2012, it was reported that the Rays were going to call Matsui up for a game against the [[Chicago White Sox]] on May 29, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=May 29, 2012|title=Hideki Matsui expected to be called up by Tampa Bay Rays|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/hideki-matsui-expected-to-be-called-up-by-tampa-bay-rays/1232513/|access-date=November 27, 2021|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|language=en}}</ref> Upon joining the Rays, due to his preferred number 55 belonging to pitcher [[Matt Moore (baseball)|Matt Moore]], he elected to wear uniform number 35 for his former teammate [[Mike Mussina]]. On the first pitch of his second at bat against the Chicago White Sox on May 29, 2012, Matsui hit a two-run home run.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=May 30, 2012|title=Hideki Matsui 'outstanding' in Tampa Bay Rays debut|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/hideki-matsui-outstanding-in-tampa-bay-rays-debut/1232558/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|language=en}}</ref>

In 2012, there were thirty-five members of the Japanese media assigned to report on Matsui.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hill|first=Benjamin|date=May 25, 2012|title=Matsui return puts spotlight on Bulls|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-32176080|access-date=May 26, 2012|work=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref>

However, Matsui's hitting was unimpressive during the next two months as he posted a .147 batting average. He was designated for assignment by the Rays on July 25, 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rosecrans|first=C. Trent|date=July 25, 2012|title=Hideki Matsui designated for assignment by Rays|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/hideki-matsui-designated-for-assignment-by-rays/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[CBS Sports]]|language=en}}</ref> and was released on August 1.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 1, 2012|title=Rays release Hideki Matsui|url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Rays-release-Hideki-Matsui-3755988.php|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Upon playing for the Rays, Matsui succeeded in playing 10 top-tier professional seasons in both America (MLB) and Japan (NPB),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coskrey |first=Jason |date=December 30, 2012 |title=Matsui should be remembered as one of Japan's best |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2012/12/30/baseball/matsui-should-be-remembered-as-one-of-japans-best/#.WiwBctKnEps |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629054833/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2012/12/30/baseball/matsui-should-be-remembered-as-one-of-japans-best/#.WiwBctKnEps |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2012 |website=[[The Japan Times]] }}</ref> the first player in history to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chastain |first=Bill |last2=Zeck |first2=Greg |date=2012-05-30 |title=Matsui first to play 10 seasons in Japan, Majors |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120530&content_id=32487484&notebook_id=32487486&vkey=notebook_tb&c_id=tb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531222633/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120530&content_id=32487484&notebook_id=32487486&vkey=notebook_tb&c_id=tb |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |website=MLB.com |access-date=September 4, 2025 }}</ref>

===Playing streak===
Matsui did not miss a game in his first three seasons with the Yankees, putting together a streak of 518 [[games played]]. Before that, he played in 1,250 consecutive games with Yomiuri, for a total professional baseball streak of 1,768. Matsui holds the record for longest streak of consecutive games played to start a Major League Baseball career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Games Played Records by Baseball Almanac|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_gam1.shtml|website=[[Baseball Almanac]]}}</ref>

On May 11, 2006, in his 519th game with the Yankees, Matsui fractured his left wrist on an unsuccessful sliding catch in the top of the first inning against the [[Boston Red Sox]]. Matsui, despite the injury, threw the ball back to the infield before gripping his wounded wrist in obvious pain. The game did not count toward Matsui's streak, as a player must field for at least half an inning or take an at-bat to be credited with a game played (MLB rule 10.24).<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2006|title=Unofficial List of Records Set or Tied in 2006|url=http://www.sabr.org/cmsFiles/Files/DEC2006.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070619193603/http://www.sabr.org/cmsFiles/Files/DEC2006.pdf|archive-date=June 19, 2007|website=[[Society for American Baseball Research]]}}</ref> Matsui underwent surgery on May 12, 2006, the next day. He returned to the Yankees starting lineup on September 12 against the [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]], and had an RBI-single in his first at-bat back, and proceeded to go 4 for 4 with a walk and scored twice.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 12, 2006|title=Tampa Bay Devil Rays at New York Yankees Box Score, September 12, 2006 - Baseball-Reference.com|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA200609120.shtml|website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref>

==Retirement==

On December 27, 2012, Matsui officially announced his retirement from baseball.<ref>{{cite web |last=Calcaterra |first=Craig |date=December 27, 2012 |title=Hideki Matsui announces his retirement |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/hideki-matsui-announces-his-retirement |work=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> His retirement ceremony was held on May 5, 2013, at the [[Tokyo Dome]], during which the Japanese government awarded him, and [[Shigeo Nagashima]] with the [[People's Honour Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9243919/hideki-matsui-given-people-honor-award-japanese-pm|title=Hideki Matsui honored in Japan|work=ESPN|date=May 5, 2013|accessdate=June 9, 2025}}</ref>

On July 28, 2013, Matsui signed a one-day contract with the New York Yankees, and formally retired as a member of the team, the Yankees organization granting his last wish in honor of his years as a successful player with the team.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ehalt|first=Matt|date=July 28, 2013|title=Hideki Matsui retires as a Yankee|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9516314/hideki-matsui-retires-new-york-yankee-signing-one-day-deal|access-date=May 9, 2020|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Rapp|first=Timothy|date=July 28, 2013|title=Hideki Matsui Formally Retires with New York Yankees|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1719129-hideki-matsui-formally-retires-with-new-york-yankees|access-date=July 28, 2013|website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> In 2015, Matsui rejoined the Yankees as a special adviser to general manager [[Brian Cashman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/12505293/derek-jeter-hideki-matsui-arrive-japan-charity-baseball-game|title=Derek Jeter arrives in Japan|work=ESPN|date=March 18, 2015|accessdate=June 9, 2025|quote=Matsui was recently rehired by the New York Yankees as a special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman, and Jeter said his former teammate will have much to offer.}}</ref>

On January 15, 2018, Matsui was elected to the [[Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame]] with 91.3% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2018 |title=松井秀喜氏がファン、恩師・長嶋監督に感謝「心から感謝、申し上げます」 |trans-title=Hideki Matsui expresses his gratitude to his fans and his mentor, manager Nagashima: "I'm truly grateful" |url=https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20180115-00102355-fullcount-base |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115185315/https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20180115-00102355-fullcount-base |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2018 |website=[[Yahoo! Japan]] |language=Japanese}}</ref> Elected at the age of 43, he became the youngest player to be inducted to the Hall, breaking a record held by [[Hideo Nomo]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=McIntosh|first1=Whitney|date=January 16, 2018|title=Hideki Matsui was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame|url=https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/1/16/16897486/hideki-matsui-japanese-baseball-hall-of-fame|access-date=January 17, 2018|website=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref>

Matsui was one of the torchbearers in the [[2020 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web|date=July 23, 2021|title=The Latest: Osaka lights cauldron at Tokyo opening ceremony|url=https://wtop.com/asia/2021/07/the-latest-cyclist-is-4th-czech-athlete-to-test-positive/|access-date=August 24, 2021|website=[[WTOP-FM|WTOP]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423010436/https://wtop.com/asia/2021/07/the-latest-cyclist-is-4th-czech-athlete-to-test-positive/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Charity work==
[[File:Yankee all-stars coach spirit of Tomodachi (150321-F-WH816-519).jpg|thumb|right|Matsui in 2015 at the [[Tokyo Dome]] with children at a baseball game he organized to support the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]] relief efforts]]
Matsui donated $500,000 towards [[Humanitarian response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|charity relief for victims]] of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]].<ref>[http://insidetheyankees.com/players/hidekimatsui.htm "Hideki Matsui" in ''Inside the Yankees'', 2007] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501215211/http://insidetheyankees.com/players/hidekimatsui.htm |date=May 1, 2006 }}</ref>

Matsui also donated $620,000 to relief efforts for victims of the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 earthquake, tsunami]], and subsequent [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Fukushima nuclear disaster]] in the [[Tōhoku region]] of Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |author-link=Aaron Gleeman |date=2011-03-21 |title=Hideki Matsui donates $600,000 to Japanese relief efforts |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/hideki-matsui-donates-600000-to-japanese-relief-efforts |access-date=2025-09-04 |website= |publisher=NBC Sports}}</ref> In March 2015, Matsui and former teammate [[Derek Jeter]] held a baseball charity event to support children affected by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, at the [[Tokyo Dome]]. The event included a baseball clinic and a home run derby between Matsui and Jeter.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 17, 2014|title=Matsui, Jeter team up for charity|url=http://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/12040904/derek-jeter-hideki-matsui-team-baseball-charity-japan|access-date=November 9, 2017|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guardado |first=Maria |date=2015-03-23 |title=Ex-Yankees Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui face off in charity baseball game in Japan |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2015/03/ex-yankees_derek_jeter_and_hideki_matsui_face_off.html |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=nj.com}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Matsui announced to the press on March 27, 2008, that he had married in a private ceremony in New York. His bride's name was not announced, but it was reported that she was 25 years old and had been formerly working in a "reputable position at a highly respected company". They met in Japan after the 2006 off-season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |author-link=Tyler Kepner |date=March 27, 2008 |title=Matsui Gets Married, and Not Just to Beat Jeter |url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/matsui-gets-married-and-tries-to-take-jeter-for-a-ride/ |access-date=March 27, 2008 |website=[[The New York Times]] |publisher=}}</ref> Matsui's first son was born in the United States around the time of his retirement. {{As of|November 2016}}, Matsui had an apartment on the [[Upper West Side]] of [[Manhattan]] and a home in [[Connecticut]], where he was raising his son.<ref name="caldera">{{cite news |last1=Caldera |first1=Pete |title=Ex-Yankee Hideki Matsui enjoying life after big leagues |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2016/11/30/ex-yankee-hideki-matsui-enjoying-post-baseball-life/94665562/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]] |date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> In January 2017, his wife gave birth to the couple's second son.<ref>{{cite news |title=Matsui's wife give birth to second son |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/01/27/baseball/mlb/matsuis-wife-gives-birth-second-son/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=[[Japan Times]] |date=January 27, 2017}}</ref> He continues to live in New York City as of 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matsui |first=Hideki |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Thank You, New York |url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/thank-you-new-york-yankees-hideki-matsui-baseball-mlb |accessdate=June 9, 2025 |work=[[The Players Tribune]]}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball|Japan}}
* [[List of Major League Baseball players from Japan]]
* [[History of baseball outside the United States]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Baseball stats |mlb=425686 |espn=5372 |br=m/matsuhi01 |fangraphs=1659|brm=matsui001hid}}
*{{Japanese baseball|id=163}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090126185913/http://japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=matsui Japanese league stats and info of Hideki Matsui]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060501215211/http://insidetheyankees.com/players/hidekimatsui.htm An Inside Look At Hideki Matsui]
*[http://www.hideki.co.jp/ Hideki Matsui Baseball Museum] (This museum was built by his older brother)
*{{in lang|ja}} [http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/n-wave/ -Legend of Hideki, Matsui-] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603152848/http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/n-wave/ |date=2007-06-03 }}
*{{in lang|ja}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20090508165735/http://www.meikyukai.co.jp/member/batter/hideki_matsui.html THE GOLDEN PLAYERS CLUB]
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{{succession box|before=[[Alex Rodriguez]]|title=[[MLB Player of the Month|American League Player of the Month]]|years=July 2007|after=[[Magglio Ordóñez]]}}
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{{Central League MVPs}}
{{Japan Series MVP}}
{{Matsutaro Shoriki Award}}
{{Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize}}
{{World Series MVPs}}
{{2009 New York Yankees}}
{{Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame}}
{{Yomiuri Giants 1992 Draft Picks}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Matsui, Hideki}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Baseball people from Ishikawa Prefecture]]
[[Category:Durham Bulls players]]
[[Category:Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Japanese expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball designated hitters]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball left fielders]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from Japan]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese sportsmen]]
[[Category:New York Yankees players]]
[[Category:Nippon Professional Baseball MVP Award winners]]
[[Category:Nippon Professional Baseball outfielders]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]
[[Category:People from Nomi, Ishikawa]]
[[Category:People's Honour Award winners]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Rays players]]
[[Category:Tampa Yankees players]]
[[Category:World Series Most Valuable Player Award winners]]
[[Category:Yomiuri Giants players]]