Why is Hideki Matsui called Godzilla?
In Japan, Matsui earned the popular nickname “Godzilla”. The origin of the name, however, is unflattering, as it is in reference as much to his coarse and pockmarked facial complexion as it is in his hitting power[1]. He even made a cameo in the film Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla.
What baseball player was Godzilla?
Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui (松井 秀喜, Matsui Hideki, born June 12, 1974), nicknamed “Godzilla”, is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who played baseball in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.
Was Matsui a switch hitter?
Kazuo Matsui (松井 稼頭央, Matsui Kazuo, born October 23, 1975) is a Japanese retired professional baseball player who played as a shortstop. He is a switch-hitter.
What happened to Matsui?
In the offseason, the aging Matsui left the Yankees and signed with the Los Angeles Angels. He played three more seasons in the MLB, one with Oakland and Tampa Bay following his stint in L.A. Though it was a short career, Matsui retired as a beloved figure in the sport.
Did Hideki Matsui retire?
2013
Hideki Matsui/Career end
Did Hideki Matsui speak English?
As during his playing days, Matsui is comfortable with small talk in English. Matsui communicates in English with his players, but says, “If there’s something special, something a little more important to detail, then I’d ask my interpreter to assist.”
Who did Matsui play for?
Tampa Bay Rays2012
Oakland Athletics2011Los Angeles Angels2010New York Yankees2003 – 2009
Hideki Matsui/All teams
Who did Hideki Matsui walk with?
Matsui was accompanied by Sadaharu Oh — baseball’s global home run king — and Shigeo Nagashima, who won the Japan Series championship 14 times in a playing and managing career.
What does Matsui mean?
pine tree well
Japanese (mainly west-central Japan and the Ryukyu Islands): ancient name meaning ‘pine tree well’. Similar surnames: Matsuo, Matsuda, Matsuno, Yasui, Matsuura, Tsutsui, Mateus, Masur.
How tall is Hideki Matsui?
1.88 m
Hideki Matsui/Height
When did Kazuo Matsui sign with the Mets?
Matsui signed with the New York Mets on December 17, 2003, becoming the first Japanese infielder to sign with a Major League Baseball team.
Who was the first Japanese baseball player to play for the Mets?
Kazuo Matsui (松井 稼頭央, Matsui Kazuo, born October 23, 1975) is a Japanese retired professional baseball player who played as a shortstop. He is a switch-hitter. Matsui signed with the New York Mets on December 17, 2003, becoming the first Japanese infielder to sign with a Major League Baseball team.
When did Kazuo Matsui hit his first Grand Slam?
Matsui hit his first career grand slam during the second game of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. It came with the Rockies down 3–2 with two outs in the top of the 4th inning. The grand slam gave the Rockies a lead in which they would never relinquish.
How many stolen bases did Kazuo Matsui have?
Established a career high with 62 stolen bases, which led both leagues…also led both leagues in triples…earned his first Gold Glove at shortstop…led Seibu into the Japan Series finals…the Lions lost to Yakult four games to one…named to his first All-Star team…was also honored as one of the Best Nine at shortstop.