In December of , Matsui signed with the Yankees. During the season, he became the first Yankee to hit a grand slam in his first game. Matsui was a talented hitter from the left side of the plate.
He possessed a lot of power and was disciplined, as well. After his rookie season, he hit. He was named to the all-star team in his first season and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting. The next season Matsui saw his numbers increase even more. He batted. Matsui made his second straight all-star team in just his second season in the MLB.
I always admired the way he treated people, and I wanted to always be like that. Whenever the game was over, and he was interviewed by the media at the clubhouse, he answered the questions seriously to the last reporter.
At first glance, it may seem obvious, but not all players can do that every day. It was also true that others simply avoided the media altogether. It was never just one or two reporters when it came to Jeter. He was surrounded by many reporters every day and was sincerely responding to the end. Actually, when I left high school and joined the Yomiuri Giants, I learned that there are fans behind the media and that I should respond properly.
Being interviewed is part of my job, and I was expected to answer honestly. I will answer properly when asked. If you ask me any question, I will answer it properly, and even if it is a boring question or the same question is repeated, the other person has a job to do, so respecting the people in the media and making time for them is natural for me.
And what Jeter finds even better is humor. It made people happy — and I felt that I should try to emulate him. I think his personality as well as his excellent track record as a player is the reason why he continues to be loved by many people. Jeter is truly a symbol of the Yankees and New York. I have another unforgettable memory with him. It was the spring after Jeter retired from professional baseball.
As I said earlier, he came to Japan to visit my hometown in Ishikawa Prefecture. Nevertheless, he came to Japan! Not only did he take a walk around the city and experience Japanese kimono, he also came to my home and ate local crabs, sashimi and sukiyaki together in my living room. No matter how much of a superstar he becomes, he is humble. Jeter is a man who excels in the service spirit and humor that pleases people. I think it was an unforgettable memory not only for me and my family, but also for Jeter fans in Japan.
While Jeter is such a friendly person, he was able to lead as captain tremendously. Why is Jeter called Mr. Yankee by so many people? Here is one story when I felt his awesomeness.
It was the opening game of , the debut game of major league baseball for me, which I will never forget. Jeter unfortunately dislocated his left shoulder in the game and was seriously injured. He remained on the disabled list for a month and a half.
It is natural for players who get hurt during a season to feel depressed, but for him it happened in the season opener. But the next day, Jeter came to the stadium, went to the bench, and joked with everyone.
The purpose was to ease the tension of his teammates who had just started and to liven up the atmosphere of the team. At that time, I remember realizing from the bottom of my heart that this person was Mr. Of course, there were many talented players, but Jeter was still a particularly prominent one. Being a superstar, his dedication to the team, his concern for his teammates, how he put the utmost importance for winning, I really respected him for doing it all.
Jeter taught me a lot, not only as a player, but also as a human being. I am grateful again for having learned so much and received various opportunities, both privately and at the stadium, since the day he invited me to his home for the first time. Thank you. September 29, Finding out if I have what it takes to play every day in this league….. Hideki Matsui Retired. A message from Derek Jeter to Japan. Hit 3-run HR in June 12 win vs. Mets, homering on his birthday for second straight year also grand slam,June 12, at Oak.
Hit 3-run HR in July 5 win vs. Toronto, marked th career run, becoming just second Japaneseborn player to reach plateau also Ichiro Hit "walk-off" solo HR in July 20 win vs. On road trip August , was for Had three multi-HR games on trip, becoming just 2nd player in club history to accomplish the feat also Mickey Mantle in Hit two three-run HRs and drove in a career-high seven runs in August 21 win vs.
Hit solo-HRs 22, 23 in win at Boston, his sixth career multi-HR game, second in three games and third in seven games - became first Yankee to collect three multi-homer games over a personal seven-game span since Mickey Mantle in Hit four home runs over a six-game span from September Missed first 10 games of spring training rehabbing his left knee after arthroscopic surgery. Hit safely in 34 of his 44 home games, carrying a. Batted a team-high. Detroit, Seattle and Cleveland , batting. Was placed on the day D.
Was examined by Dr. Was returned from rehab and reinstated from the day D.
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