Matsui Returns to Yomiuri Giants as Manager
Former New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui was appointed manager of the Yomiuri Giants on Friday, describing the move as a "homecoming" as he returned to take charge of the team where he started his professional career more than three decades ago.
The 52-year-old succeeds Shinnosuke Abe, who stepped down from the position in May. Matsui began his professional career with the Giants in 1993 and won three home run titles and three RBI crowns before moving to the Yankees ahead of the 2003 season.
"I was thinking back to 24 years ago, when I left the Giants on my own will," Matsui told reporters on Friday. "On that day, I couldn't smile at all. But today, I feel as though I've returned to my hometown with a big smile on my face."
Playing Career and Legacy
Nicknamed "Godzilla," Matsui won World Series MVP honors in 2009, his final year with the Yankees. Before moving to the United States, he played for the Giants for 10 years, helping the club win three Japan Series titles.
Matsui noted that he spent about half of his playing career in America and spent 12 years with the New York Yankees after retiring from active play. During his time with the Yankees organization post-retirement, he was involved in player development.
Approach to Management
Matsui acknowledged that he lacked the experience of other managers in Japan's league but stated his desire to "run alongside the players and grow together with them." The Japanese veteran, who retired from playing in 2012, said he hopes to usher in a new era of success for the team.
"In terms of market size, the scale is completely different," Matsui stated. "But it is also true that right now, the best baseball player in the world is Japanese... I hope that players like that will emerge from our Giants as well."