A standing ovation & a warm homecoming for Matsui at Yankee Stadium
Tuesday, April 13, 2010, about 1pm - In case you missed it - Here’s the link to a short video of Hideki Matsui receiving his 2009 World Series ring along with the rest of the Yankees about 2 hours ago. (Video, the write up, the build up, and Yankee & New York pride got me all choked up).
After a few months’ slump and an injury in the 2009 season, Matsui’s top notch performance during the Series was the perfect culmination to his Yankee career. Matsui was a dependable and consistent hitter and player. Yankee captain, Derek Jeter said:
“I’m sure everyone’s heard me say it, but he’s been one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with,” Jeter said in anticipation of the event. “He’s professional, he comes out here every single day ready to play, he never makes excuses whether he’s not feeling good or he’s feeling great. He goes out there and he plays.
“One thing you remember is when he broke his wrist, he apologized to his team for breaking his wrist. I’d never seen that before. I think it’s only fitting that he’s here for Opening Day and I’m sure he’s going to get a well-deserved standing ovation.”
AP/Peter Morgan via ESPN
After hitting 6 of the 7 runs in the final game that won the Yanks the 2009 World Series, Matsui was named Most Valuable Player. It was the perfect ending to his seven-year career as a Yankee. The Yankee organization decided not to renew Matsui and Johnny Damon’s contracts for the 2010 season. Damon is now with the Detroit Tigers.
PS - Yanks signed pitcher Chan Ho Park (formerly of the Philadelphia Phillies, whom the Yanks beat for the World Series win last season), Nick Johnson, and Curtis Granderson.
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