THE YANKEES & THEIR APPRECIATION FOR MATSUI

 I just wanted to show you all this if you haven't seen it already.  These are statements taken directly from the Yankees website HERE about Hideki Matsui.  Not only was Godzilla great for the fans, he was great for the organization.  I just love reading these because it brings back great memories of a true Yankee.  Sure, Matsui played in Japan for 10 years before he even came to New York, but he game to New York with 1 goal in mind, to win a championship, and in his last in pinstripes... 2009, he did it. You gotta love it.

STATEMENT FROM YANKEES SHORTSTOP DEREK JETER

“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.”

STATEMENT FROM YANKEES MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER HAL STEINBRENNER

“Hideki Matsui, in many ways, embodied what this organization stands for.   He was dedicated to his craft, embraced his responsibilities to his team and fans, and elevated his play when he was needed the most.  He did all these things with a humility that was distinctly his own, which is why he was such a big part of our success and why he will always be a cherished member of the Yankees family.”

STATEMENT FROM YANKEES GENERAL MANAGER BRIAN CASHMAN

“Hideki is proof that baseball is an international attraction that brings people from all over the world together in their passion for the game.  He was the type of player and person you want young fans of this game to emulate.  He played with pride, discipline and of course talent, and flourished when the lights were at their brightest.  People naturally gravitated towards him, and that’s a direct reflection of his character.  He was a true professional in every sense of the word and it feels good knowing he was able to raise the championship trophy as a member of the Yankees.”

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