Godzilla Retires
Derek Jeter said it best – via Mr. Murti:
STATEMENT FROM YANKEES SHORTSTOP DEREK JETER (Matsui’s teammate from 2003-09)
“I’ve said it numerous times over the years, but it’s worth repeating now. I’ve had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favorites. The way he went about his business day in and day out was impressive. Despite being shadowed by a large group of reporters, having the pressures of performing for his fans both in New York and Japan and becoming acclimated to the bright lights of New York City, he always remained focused and committed to his job and to those of us he shared the clubhouse with. I have a lot of respect for Hideki. He was someone we counted on a great deal and he’s a big reason why we became World Champions in 2009.”
Here’s a crazy comp:
| Rk | Player | G | From | To | Age | PA | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Hideki Matsui | 123 | 1061 | 2003 | 2010 | 29-36 | 4378 | 591 | 1109 | 220 | 12 | 161 | 681 | 583 | .290 | .369 | .479 |
| 3 | Aramis Ramirez | 123 | 1071 | 2003 | 2010 | 25-32 | 4494 | 615 | 1178 | 246 | 14 | 225 | 780 | 577 | .291 | .353 | .526 |
.
That said, I would take Godzilla, in his prime, on my team, any day of the week. He was a pro’s pro and he was very capable at the bat.
I guess he really was finished.
Very good player. Very good teammate. They want to have a Hideki Matsui Day for him next year, or any year, I’m all for it. Retired number? Not so sure about that. Maybe as a Japanese pioneer on the Yanks…I dunno.
Evan3457 wrote:
Irabu, anyone?
Steve L. wrote:
Kats Maeda
Evan3457 wrote:
You’ve got to be kidding? Some of the current numbers retired by the Yankees are ridiculous enough – but Matsui? MLB should set restrictions on the retirement of numbers – it just should not be allowed in some instances. I would be all for having a Hideki Matsui Day for the 55th home game of every season, a Bernie Williams Day for the 51st home game of every season, etc., but not the retirement of his number.
Raf wrote:
http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1996/Yankees-Acquire-Pitcher-From-Japanese-Team/id-353a73664712e35223a6d2db1d29eacb
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/490166/YANKEES-BANKING-ON-NEW-IMPORT-FROM-JAPAN.html?pg=all