The Start of a Memorable Year

From March 2009: Hideki Matsui, eager to bounce back from a injury-plagued season, comes to bat in an exhibition game against the Phillies. It would turn out to be a memorable year for the played beloved in both Toyko and New York as Godzilla. After a productive season, with 28 homers and 90 RBIs, he ramped it up in October. He earned World Series MVP honors: batting .615 and tying Bobby Richardson's record of six RBI in a game (game six) to become the first Japanese player and first full-time DH to do so.
Below, Matsui takes a lead off first base against Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick.


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