MLB/ Matsui announces retirement from Major Leagues

[AsahinaKimi]

Hard-hitting Hideki Matsui, who set milestones for Japanese players in Major League Baseball, announced his retirement on Dec. 27, the organization's website reported.

The 38-year-old Matsui played 10 seasons in MLB, seven of them with the New York Yankees, producing the most home runs, runs batted in and walks by a Japanese player in the league.

A two-time All-Star with the Yankees, he was the first Japanese-born player to win World Series MVP honors in 2009, going 8-for-13 with three homers and eight runs batted in as the Yankees beat the Phillies for the title in 2009.

One of Japan's most dominant hitters with the Yomiuri Giants from 1993-2002, he joined the Yankees in 2003.

In 10 Major League seasons, he batted .282 with 760 runs batted in while playing with the Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays.

more..
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/base_ball/AJ201212280027

[Renew Deal]

1. He was a great player.

Does he make the Hall of Fame?

[Auggie]

2. No

[JonLP24]

3. I think it depends

Is it a hall of fame for pro baseball overall or just MLB careers? In the first case, yes, second case, no.

[Renew Deal]

4. I think it's a little of both

The Negro League is in the HoF. Matsui should get some credit for the years he spent in Japan.

[madinmaryland]

5. Are there any players who spent their time primarily in Japan in the HoF?

Just curious.

[El Supremo]

8. No. There aren't any Nipponese at all.

Until Ichiro.

[madinmaryland]

9. Yes. I suppose he would be the favourite Nipponese player of the Sporks writers to

be indicted into the HoF.

Has Bud $elig been indicted into the HoF?

[El Supremo]

10. No, but he would have bombed Pearl Harbour if he could have.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[madinmaryland]

11. Heh! You conversion is almost complete!!

I see that your Souners are getting thumped by your new favourite, Texas A&M!!

[sadbear]

6. He won't get in before Ichiro.

And Ichiro should get in.

[Ter]

13. Ichiro is a shoe-in

He started in his late 20's in the MLB and has 2,600+ hits already, and the most consecutive 200+ hit seasons ever.

[Ter]

12. He won't even get 20% of the vote

His stats don't ad up.

[El Supremo]

7. I like Kazuo Matsui better. n/m